The Song Of Crocodiles Poem by Tony Adah

I am a fisherman
Wave tossed on a silent sea
When the seagulls disillusioned
By the absence of tuna
Go home disenchanted;
I see all.
When the boat leaks
On my way home
I clasp my oar and double on
Or take my gourd and scoop
My uninvited guest;
I am afloat and my oar rests on.
When for want of a catch
The carapace of crabs sing in my bag
I am sure of a sweet broth
The waves toss me homeward
And at the shore;
The children are waiting
For their heritage
And I go empty hands
As I came
I am happy being a fisherman
Who listened and understood
The songs of the crocodiles
Before the twilight of the west.