DAWN

I chanced to look near dawn
Out of my sorrow
And indigo was the wall
Outside my window

Surprised, I looked away
From night, my widow
Then stole another glance again
At my tomorrow

Tomorrow was in mute concert
Briefly I am my cello
Confused at my own melody
My poem, my strange bedfellow

But night is sheared now finally
Soft day echoes my hello
And as I rise, my waking thought
Sinks away into my pillow.

– Che Chidi Chukwumerije.

NEW ROADS

How maddening it must be
Upon reincarnation to see
The fullness of your memory
In all its grime and glory –

Take it away, take it away
I don’t want to know today
The sadness and joy of yesterday
With my heart let me find my way

I fell in love, in love anew
With dawn and dusk, with dream and dew
With life and love, through vice and virtue
Another me, another you.

– Che Chidi Chukwumerije.