We are the few survivors here — Sam Onwuka

To bury our dead
We are
The few survivors left
To walk
Between the ashes and the crumbling walls.

2
Breathe faintly the air they breathe
Raspings in air unseen
Unheard in quiet place
Tell stories

Of flavour heard
Of scent seen—

Tell stories of wasted words in prayer
Blinking car lamps in peopled streets
Of street food wrapped in leafs

Breathe faintly faintly.

3
Lie quiet until you plume
Like the eagle in bluesky
Skimming best of air and sunlight
In the cool of after rains.

4
Failing strength and fading light
Faint light
Sad heart
Rude bruises from vain hopes
Poor ruins.

5
And the wind was gone
Carrying her jewels
See her
Gathering her hair
Mourning.