Urban Percussion Symphony, Oshodi 2016

Next door the little girl has sampled
the alphabet, repeats the short string
letters rapped out staccato classroom
cadence cut with nursery rhyme choruses

a pause — infinitesimal

Castanet heels ascend scales of stairs
below the pots bang cymbal clashes
echoing doors slamming in their turn
match splash overhead tanks in overflow

blending — contending

Generator backbeat harmony
underthrobs the preacher’s strident keen
duetting with nearby muezzin
One church over, drums are counterpointing

Crescendo — Allegro

Blaring okada horns punctuate
drumbeat wheels upon the gravel road
go and come and rumble round again
car horns reincarnate, at the clanging gate

and yet -

Ceiling fan susurrus soothes the walls
around soft sniffles and rhythmic snores.