Nwafor Oji Awala

LOST SHINE IN DUST

Vibrations burst in my muscles 

Like warring armies of
Water and wave that 
Surge to electrify a city--
I want to leap on the red hill
At the village arena
Like a mighty leopard
And pounce on a willing opponent,
Throw him in the dust
To proclaim a sounding victory

But there is no red hill
At the village arena anymore 
Wrestling is no longer
A dear spot among my clansmen 
Gold, diamond and rubies 
Have lost their shine in the dust.