Until today.

Hello, Kofi.

CONVERSATION WITH AMA

What are you doing there?

I have come to wash clothes, and then I saw you, she says, standing next to a palm, with half a coconut in hand.

…

Would you like a taste? she asks, handing me the coconut. This one is very, very sweet, like paradise.

Thank you. How do you know about my place?

So, you own the rivers and streams, ei?

…

How is your preparation for the battle coming?

It is not a battle. Only a race.

Tell me again, why are you doing this?

I am tired of losing to him.

You are smarter and nicer than he is always.

…

You would be faster if you were underwater while you swim.

What do you mean?

I mean that your raised head slows you down.

That does not make sense.

It makes sense to me, Kofi.

But how will I breathe?

When you need to breathe, bring your head up.

…

Also, try paddling with your arms, as if they are oars.

How do you know so much about this?

Remember I am older and wiser than you, she says, grinning.

…

You do not remember we used to swim together?

I do remember.

I will have to be back soon. Goodbye, Kofi.

I wanted to say thank you.

For what?

My arm is healed.

You are welcome, okay.

…

…

Tell me something, Ama.

Yes?

How long will you have to be a house girl?

Until I am old enough to take care of myself.

How long will that be?

Another four or five seasons, I think.

What trade will you take up then?

I think I will become a swimmer, or even a wrestler, she says, smiling, and win enough gold to take care of any child who is orphaned.

…

Or I will study to become a teacher. What about you? What is your big dream?

I think I will be a teacher as well. But I will not be the kind of teacher who attacks his students with a rod or cane.

Or the kind who makes them speak an alien tongue.

He is the worst.

Definitely.

Definitely.

Well, I have work to do.

Wait! Will you come in for a swim? Then I will help you clean your clothes.

What do you know about washing, Kofi?

I wash my body every day, I say, laughing.

Another day, she says, winking with a tender smile that owns every wet inch of me. Keep your head down, Kofi Offin.

CAPTIVATED

I watch her

walk away,

her crown

of cornrows

reaching for

the sky,

like a tall tree,

and wishing

I were a leaf

or a branch.

But you may walk with me if you like, she says, without turning around.

SMITTEN

While she washes clothes,

I scavenge

for shells

and some twine

for a special gift

I will make.

When she asks,

What are they for?

I tell her

for my maame’s born day

even though we celebrated that