The Hausa And His Herd Poem by Birgitta Abimbola Heikka

Down Apapa Wharf
they troop
to the sound of the whip
wielded from the rear.

In a straight file marching
like soldiers off to war
Their bellies swinging
from side to side

as they moo and heave
headless
of the motorists who halt
for fear of being mauled.

An erring breaks rank
from time to time
and wanders off
but the sting of a lash from the whip
brings the beast back in line.

Under the waking sky
down Apapa Wharf
in a straight file
like soldiers off to war
they march to the market
the Hausa and his herd.