upright shadow bends toward
earth at dusk’s approach
No matter then whether
we be prostrate or aplumb
for in our end is our beginning;
in our beginning is our end-
One spring gives life and death their agencies!
Solomon Ayagere
EDITOR’S NOTE
Originally published in Nigeria Magazine on 01 Jan 1981, p. 116. This diplomatic transcription preserves the wording and lineation visible in the archived page.