EYES IN THE DARK

They came for our fathers and their blood at night

When sleeping children hugged their mothers’ breasts

Mother said heroes never announce their exit

So we live to tell the story of their bravery

It’s the only way they truly win the war

The bravest warriors of their time

Fighting man and his gods

Men whose bloods gave us life

They took my father and his blood away tonight

Children are not supposed to watch the quiet exit

But father knew I lurked in the dark

Creeping eyes besides our hut

Soft cheeks plastered against muddy walls

Father’s face reeked of fear

He is only a village storyteller

And his words are his only sword

It would be me one day

Leaving in the dark

Led by bigger men with even bigger swords

I do not want any soft cheeks against muddy walls

Creeping eyes in the dark

Or wet pillows at night

Yesterday, Father said we shall announce his return

They took Arinze and Kachi’s fathers long before him

Why have we not announced their return?