My Friend, My Companion, My Brother (Acquainting Myself) Poem by Lak'wab Asis Nganai

I was never lonely with my brother,
He was my twin!
As one soul we would play,
With soil and also tins
At night, when mama would pray,
Through slit eyes I beckoned him
So we could share my guardian angels.
Wherever he is, they are with him.

Would I forget the sun washed morning ventures?
The spring hunts. No, the battles! Bloodless,
Wonder if the butterflies shared our adventure
When they flew with, from us till breathless.
“Don’t let ‘em through you! ” But still your nature
And demeanor was faultless!
Wonder if they told their mothers
Or like us, lived the experience to their selves!


I cannot recall when you went away,
If you strayed and lost I would have known
All my paths and secrets were your own
You…….you would know the way.
Wish you were there when I learnt to whistle!
I’ll bet you must have heard, the birds did
Exciting, albeit it started as a rustle
But all in no time, became strident as a beep!

It wasn’t easy then, but I got used to it
Caused me all the melancholy,
Should I have given you what I eat?
Mama would not understand,
She wanted her kids to be all jolly
And when lonely, she would take my hand
So I never told her about you,
But I know we are one all through.


© lak’wab asis 2010
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