The archive
Ummi
Under the weight of your thoughts
Under the weight of your care
I find solace.
Beatings I heard
In my tranquil dream
Of drums of your essence.
In mine, as ever
Tortured by thoughts
Of you as of us — dual.
We cry, weep in failure
We relax, rejoice in success
Which to choose? Only but one.
— Joy in being joined
— Sorrow in being parted
Choose me — Ummi
Choose you — I did.
Adamu Muhammed Bawa
EDITOR’S NOTE
Originally published in Citizen on 13 Dec 1993, p. 31. This diplomatic transcription preserves the wording and lineation visible in the archived page.