Mini-Iji Ii Poem by Orike Didi

Mini-Iji II

I was sitting here when the river met me
Stretching its wide arms to embrace me,
Before holding me captive with no aid
To perform wonders like a mermaid.

I was sitting here when the branches stretched
Moving through me like snakes belched
From the gullet of angry earth, destroying like fire
Crystal wishes long held in a hug by desire.

I was sitting here.. Yes, I was sitting here
And all I could do now is dare, dare and dare
To look at the river retreating in anger,
Its hate unfed but still a damn stranger.

Now I stand looking like a washed island
Made dirty by debris carried from a weird land
Looking more for a story to call my own,
Disowned, till new-fangled seeds are sown.

Now I stand like a stump, wailing and waiting
With eyelids flooded, impetus wasting
Waiting for fresh waters to visit again
And with my fingers count what I'll gain.

I was sitting here when the river met me
Stretching its wide arms to embrace me.
I hugged her in pain to consume options
Left in a road's pothole like blood portions.