You come when I lay asleep
My body thoroughly beaten by day
Flesh subdued by the sun, no strength
You come when my eyes cannot see.
It is often that you come
Never when I lay awake.
Mother told of your betrothal
At my very birth to you
With the waters of Okija our covenant.
You come when I lay asleep
Never when my eyes are open
Your face you pleasurably hide,
Yet your voice is revealed
Your touch a lesson learned
Your presence, a shiver.
Father fears your anger, your wrath
For the whip he used on my back
You used on his back at night
The mark of it lies there still
A worthy remembrance
Adorning the plains and ridges
Of his muscled back
Your master craft – Your doing.
They say you chose me
For my beauty, my wit
You chose me alone
They say it be a privilege
But can two walk together
If they be not agreed?
I dare, say the answer.
Tell, if your abode is vanquished
There lies no beauty such as me?
No maidens with voice like the shrill whistle
With hips wide to carry children
With hair black, it rivals the night
With skin copper like a ready wine.
You come in my sleep,
To touch, to love.
But how do I tell of you?
You that inhabits the water of Okija.
How can I call you?
For there are no phones in your land.
Come now while I lay awake
My eyes bright like a thief’s torch
For we must speak of this;
Bring your clan, they who inhabit
The starry Imo River.
Come, while I await
Awake.
Poem by Abasiama Udom
Abasiama Udom is a poet and writer. She is a student and part-time tutor with interests in the afterlife and humanity. She lives and writes from Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.