Like Gold...

by Olufunke Kolapo
(Nigeria)

I've known pain
I've known fear more chilling than the harmattan air
Pain, fiercer and harsher than the whips of a thousand horsemen

My soul sank deep into the river of pain and fear

I sought refuge in the bosom of the younger dawns
I hid in their embrace and they comforted me
I dreamt of the rebirth of her garden in all its glory
I felt the healing miracle of the morning sun when Eva
bathed in her warmth; and I saw her inhabitants,
came alive with the songs of the birds, and fluttering flowers in the breeze
I've known pain;
Nameless, faceless fear

I sunk deep into their depths
And they hurt no more