THE EASTAFRICANPOET

Misikhu , Bungoma . Western Kenya. Aunty just came back from Makutano. She asked about a long lost family friend who lived around Kitale. 'On your way to Makutano maybe, I don't know.' I promised I'd try to get to them as soon as this pesky January rain abates. I'm also embarrased about meeting Ma'Dessy;  that long-lost-but-lately-found family friend who now resides around Kitale.Now I can’t go to her home without a lady I had bragged about being my wife. Anyway. I told Aunty Emily I'd marry two wives; so if one left I'd still have another to hold on to. Aunty chuckled. She does that when she's pitying my young naivete. 'Don't get more than one wife. It's all trouble. Juzi, I went somewhere to have tea but there was none...that's what they said.' I cut Aunty midway through her session by reaching for the volume knob on the radio. Soon "Ivo Ivo Ivo" was blaring and my head was bobbing to the raucous hip hop. Au...

I remember correctly How could I forget? I know now why the silence Hang loud in the air. I hated that. I was teetotaling, Teetering, fumbling.. You sipped blacks, I made do with the ciggies. You hated those by the way. He made you feel better I hid my face My room was messy Roaches, butts, ashes. I figured you hated those too. I remember; don’t worry. You were nervous, raw. It hang in the air These chemical concoctions out of our heads. I hated him, I just couldn’t tell. You know I wanted it I knew you wanted it. It was strange, this thing. How you devoured them. I hated that, Lord knows. There was going to be three of us. We did business We couldn’t afford messes. I drowned.