Done for Mindmiserymenagerie, BastetsShardorma photo prompt. We are to imagine a time, when poetry games (in Japan) and story telling were the main pastime in the evenings. No television, radio or computer just people sitting ’round the fireplace. In Africa, storytelling is part and parcel of us. Even our dance gestures and moves tell stories of their own. In Ghanaian folklore, Ananse, (A-nan-se) or the Spider is credited with much cunning and guile and he becomes the subject of many stories woven and told around the fireside in the evenings, often with a morale.
(3-5-3-3-7-5)
warming hands
over Nana’s flames
that sizzles
fat corn cobs
crickets, and owls make music
to Ananse’s wish
(1-2-3-4-1)
defying
family, death
Ananse cheats all
we giggle with excitement
trepidation
(3-5-3-3-7-5)
cobs roasted
we chew and exhale
Nana’s jaws
in tandem
we sigh at Ananse’s fate
at hands of gum-man
Copyright © Celestine Nudanu (29/06/14)I appreciate your patience with me as I catch up on your blogs. Thanks a million! Shalom.