an old myth

Piece submitted by Chuwka Michael

Awoke at dawn playing night

Where the charms of amulets

Treasured around my neck

Were the invitation of darker days unborn

I awoke into a curse, to die and yet live again

a curve of genesis to genesis

I awoke to belly up and swim into a fern-home

I awoke as the nightmare of nightmares

I came again, to suck the cowries,

loose the apron strings,

and leave a barren purse.

I awoke, a dead owl upon your threshold

I am the old myth

That rises and sets

Yet, a foreshadow of darker days.

I am the shadow that hides in light.

I am your runaway son

A prodigal, off I go again,

off! into the faraway, off! through the labyrinth.

I am he, the child from netherworld

the one whose heart is soot

I will come again, and again, to soothe your pain,

Then rub soot upon your glowing lamp.