Thirsty waters

A big band plays in the hall distant

The bass line’s so thick you could walk on it.

Anguished prayers rents the still air,

As the ‘faithful’ stand, then bow, but nothing stirs.

Aves straddle the skies in their splendour

As rocks encompass their city with great abandon.

Beleaguered and in pain, loneliness is their fear,

Reaching out, but forever not near.

Seeking a drop of the heaven’s rain

Alas, they toil and stand but all is in vain.

Claps of thunder ravage their skulls

The sound of rain? Now their day is dull.

Broke and busted with talents but none

Beads of sweat, because the heat has come.

Dutse, Jigawa
August 2005