we go to the rapids,

and I lay on the board

stomach down,

let the fast-flowing stream

carry me,

while they sit

on the bank

playing Oware

and talking

until Nana Mosi dozes off.

When I finish

I part with the board

and swim,

but I am unable

to find my rhythm,

the nerves getting the best of me

with Papa’s penetrating eyes

fixed on my every move.

CONVERSATION

You are fearful in the water.

I am not afraid, Papa.

I see you struggling. If you grow impatient, you will sink.

I know.

If you know, then do.

…

When will you race your cousin?

…

Do you not think I know about this contest?

I, uh—

Kofi, he is your family. Even if you win, you will lose.

What do you mean?

We are each branches of the same tree. It does not matter that we go in different directions. The roots are one. That is what he means, Nana Mosi answers, his voice deep and raspy, his eyes still closed.

He thinks he is big stuff because his father is a big man. I will show him.

It is not the crown that sits atop a man that makes him big. It is what is inside, he says, tapping the left side of his chest. Know your heart, Grandson.

…

…

Papa, what is wrong with Kwasi? He does not even speak to me.

He does not speak to anyone.

Why?

A heavy heart seizes the tongue, Kofi.

But it was an accident.

Still, the thing happened, and a life was lost. Your brother must find a way to deal with the guilt of that.

Will he be okay?

Guilt has the footprints of an elephant.

What does that mean?

He can find his way back, but he will need to be stronger than ever.

…

…

May I ask you a question, Papa?

Another one?

Who are the wonderfuls?

…

Did you hear me, Papa?

It is getting late, we should go. Your maame will be worried.

Papa! Please tell me what it is I ask.

When you are older.

This is what you always say, When you are older. Before the dry season comes, I will be older, a MAN even!

I believe he is saying that the gift he desires for growing older is answers, Nana Mosi says, chuckling.

You are mixing my words, Grandpapa. That is not a gift, it is a right.

But you are a boy now, my father rejoins.

Stay out of the water at night… Do not walk by yourself in the forest… It is like a river of big secrets here.

I am in need of a good quiet and a long nap. And right now, you two deprive me of both. Cannot father and son take a break from such quarreling?

…

There are things in our history that you will learn in due time. Be patient, my father says to me.

And what if it is too late by then?