in any hut

on their side

then moving

from hole to hole

dropping

one stone at a time.

Land a stone

in an empty hut

and your turn is up.

Land a stone

in a hut

with three others

and you get to keep all four.

The goal is to capture

the greatest number

of stones as possible.

When that happens

the game is over.

THE SILENT WAY

Nana Mosi and I

follow behind

our entire clan

as we make our way

to the festival clearing

for the wrestling contests.

Mostly silent

as we walk, he chews

on a twig,

plucks herbs from stems,

smelling some

and bagging most.

When he does speak,

he starts talking

in the middle

like our conversation

has been going on

all along.

CONVERSATION WITH MY GRANDFATHER

Do not be captured.

What do you say, Nana Mosi?

You have been watching Oware for a long time. What have you learned?

You count with your eyes, not your hands. You always go first. And your first move is always the third hut.

Why do you think that is?

I have not figured that out yet.

Keep watching.

Can you just tell me?

By trying often, the monkey learns to jump from the tree.

Again with the riddles, I think. I will keep learning, Nana Mosi, I say.

Take this chewing stick, he says, handing me one similar to his own twig.

I have already cleaned my teeth, Nana.

Not good enough, he says, shaking his head. A toothless man has nothing wise to say.

I do not understand.

Take care of your teeth, Kofi, while you still have them. Do you understand that?

Yes, sir.

…

…

So, what is this squabble, this family feud I hear of?

What do you mean?

Ei! Do not play sheep with your grandfather. I am too old, and too tired.

…

What is happening between you and your cousin?

…

I have asked you a question.

He taunts me. You do not see it, but he does.

These are the games that boys play.

He is not playing, Nana. When he punches, it is real.

I remember that my own brother used to hang me in the air by my legs.

What did you do?

I stared at the ground, held my arms toward it so I did not crack open my head when he dropped me, he says with a smile.

This is not funny, Nana. It is torture.

You must not let him get to you.

That is easy for you to say. I am the one being bullied by that barbarian.

Ei! Watch your tongue. A family tie is like the river. It can bend, but it cannot break.

Mr. Goodluck Phillip says he is uncivilized and will live a life of regret. I believe it.

Goodluck, with his ridiculous name, knows nothing. He is lucky to have a job.

He is my teacher, so he must know something.