The archive
Reverie
Sits invisible
on its prie-dieu
on the confluence of the Niger
the Diadem that made the nation
in their mind ease for the waste
Teaches the separation
body from soul
as politico-economics from religion
The pupils
Figures bleated by fish dishes
palm-oil redened eyes
have unlearned their virtues
obsequious to it for guidance
And thinking
Zero sum game a nought.
Maikudi Z.S.Z Sambo · 1992
EDITOR’S NOTE
Originally published in Citizen on 14 December 1992, p. 37. This diplomatic transcription preserves the wording and lineation verified against the archived page.