What My Mother Told Me While I was Asleep (Emmanuel Ojeikhodion)

For many nights i could remember, I see a shadow mirroring

on my body for hour-long.

I remain asleep & realise my mother’s hands drawing

my body close to hers.

Like one of her scarfs, she folds me lightly on her lap

and straightens the curls of my hair.

She says; Son, you finally went to bed. I’d been waiting

for you to sleep before i sleep too.

In the same vein, she wets my ears with prayers.

She tells me, Emmanuel, May the beautiful things you

desire embrace you always.

Writer: Emmanuel Ojeikhodion

Artist: Pratiksha Dhanik