My Voice Grew Pubic Hair

Picture credit: Edzordzi Agbozo

Thanks to providence

I have no fear anymore.

My heart has killed vipers

And I rinsed my mouth with the venom

Some, I used for pomade

Some, I kept for ablutions

I have walked the wider earth, in dreams

Sang across diverse landscapes

On the islands, I broke the neck of loneliness

On the sea, I made a convenant with my birth-water

On land, I jumped over the guns pointing at my window

So now, I grew pubic hair on my voice

And now I can face the firing squad at the public square

Strip my back for lashes, my face for spit

Mine is the source of life

So I shall not sneeze

When rogues and demi-gods

Pinch one another for cannibal-feast on my flesh.