‘Ecstasy of Disarray’
Why is conjugation so complicated in this part of the world?
Why does one have to look for the lady first, for years, searching like needle in haystack?
Why do I have to go through all the long processes, ceremonies and charades like warfare dramas and parades?
Why can’t all just be straight forward as saying ‘Yes’ to living in silence?
Why can’t we just solemnize this union with a Mass, pay the simple dowry, have a drink at the back of the church with parents and one-two two friends each and go home in joyful peace after a selfie pics?
Why do couples have to rent a bigger flat, save up plenty of money to secure survival afterward, buy plenty of home appliances and even rent a car?
Why is there always worry once there is thought of a wedding?
Why can’t you just get married to the one you love just as you love it?
I do not pray for war,
Neither do I ask for such peace as this.
In war, we should have been done with this.
We would clasp our fist, grasp our breath
and grab ourselves as we await peace.
We’d live as though our love would end today,
as if tomorrow would not exist,
as if we would not live to tell of all our sweet dreams.
We would not have to wait all these years
for things to gear towards readiness,
like living for years and waiting to die with ease.
Now there’s this peace.
It’s a piece of the war we’d face if we do this.
It is a peace deeper in black than the shadow of what it seems.
Now, we have to pay every single dime of your dowry in patience and unease.
Now, all your uncles will come asking for my names.
Now there’s seemingly peace, and
your face is becoming faint in my memory.
You seem to be walking away as time passes away in
motions of slowly guided smiles of sly in-sight.
Now we have to wait for a-while, a while a bit longer than twice now my age.
This peace hurts me more than war. When shall it be, my love?
© Kelvin Enumah 2019
