Growing up, my brother was
the most fearless person I knew.
I saw him…
at the school assembly
with an indulgent laugh
stomach twenty-six strokes
of Mr. Orina’s cane.
Several mornings before washing it,
secretly drive Father’s new car
around the compound.
Chase Sekemi everywhere
like an Olympian after a gold medal;
Sekemi, daughter of Colonel Umbutu.
But when Mother’s precious china plate
slipped from his hands,
collided with the kitchen floor
It welled from my brother’s eyes
terror that painted prophecies
of what Mother would do to him.
