This is the same instructor who insists on teaching you to talk like a stranger.

He says one day we will need to know the Queen’s English.

We will not abandon the Asante legacy of dignified language.

He says we are the Gold Coast now, and that a wonderful world awaits me beyond our waters.

You listen to me, Grandson. Do not be swayed by his civilized brow. We are and will always be Asante. These wonderfuls he speaks of are invaders. They will trample on the very red soil he walks on.

What do you mean, these wonderfuls? Invade what?

Ask your papa.

I have asked both him and Maame about many things to which they say I am too young to ask so many questions. Why keep me in the dark? Speaking of the dark, why must I only swim in the river during the day?

Your mother is right. You ask far too many questions for a boy so young in age.

Soon, I will have my ceremony to become a man. Then you all will not be able to deprive me of knowledge.

This is true. Do you think you are ready to cross over?

Of course I am ready, Nana Mosi. I get stronger each day.

I am not speaking of your body, but of your mind. There is much responsibility with knowing, Grandson.

…

Soon, you will hunt and marry, and before long, after many, many seasons have passed, you will be a wise sage walking at a snail’s pace through life, telling tales and sniffing herbs like your nana, he says, laughing.

You think I can be a storyteller like you?

If you are a dreamer, young Kofi.

That I am, Nana.

SIGNALS

I tell Nana

about last night’s dream

of the crocodile

and the leopard

and my cousin

in need

and how real

it all seemed

especially his eyes

so full with terror

and pleading

for my help.

Nana Mosi stares

at the tops

of the trees

for what seems like forever, then

he says,

Kofi, we dream

to heal

our memory

or to face

the unimaginable truth.

Dreams are hints

from the beyond,

but they can also be warnings.

Then we go back

to walking

in silence.

IN THE SHADE

under a coconut tree,

chewing on the twig

Nana Mosi gave me,

I see Kwasi, standing

as grand as a king,

assured, like he is ready

for anything,

chattering and charming

the group of wrestlers

from our village

who laugh and live

on his every word.

When he catches my eye,

he gives me a thumbs-up,

and I know one day

I hope to be as bold

and brave

and captivating

as my brother.

WHEN EBO ARRIVES

he eyes me, stops dead

in his tracks,

and waves me over,

because ever since

he was hit

by a falling coconut,

his fear of trees

is as huge

as the knot was

on his head.

So I get up