months ago.

We do not say much more

on the long walk

to our homes

but she does hum

to herself, softly,

and every now and then

my hand speaks to me,

tells me it is lonely,

dares me

to befriend hers.

RESURRECTION

For the first time

since the accident,

Kwasi emerges

from his seclusion,

still not saying much,

but practically eating

a mountain of rice

plus every mango

and plantain

he can locate.

After he is stuffed

like a pig,

we kick

a ball around

our moonlit courtyard

just like old times

and then I ask:

A game of Oware next, brother?

CONVERSATION WITH KWASI

…

Tell me, are you okay, Kwasi?

I am fine.

It is just that I know you are in pain, and I—

You know nothing of pain, Kofi. Just play.

We are each worried about you.

You should spend your time worrying about your big race. It is tomorrow, ei?

Yes, I will swim against Kofi.

For the heart of a girl.

No.

It is always over a girl, brother.

…

If you win, will you marry her? he says, laughing a little.

Why does everyone keep talking of silly things? I say back, happy to see even a little laugh from him.

Little brother, you will need to present gifts to her family. Two goats, a cow, whiskey, and a pair of sandals for her father.

I am not marrying anyone.

And a piece of cloth and gold bangles for her maame, he adds, pointing at the huts.

No pointing at the stones, Kwasi. Count with your eyes only, or game over.

My brother has been watching and learning. Tell me, has Nana Mosi told you about the two-headed beasts?

I am not believing in you and your beasts again.

It is known that a lover must go to the land of the dead and fight three battles against three two-headed beasts. If he survives, when he comes back, he must give the tails of the three monsters to the beloved. That is the sign of true love.

That is a lie.

Is it?

You are just trying to scare me.

…

…

I think I will be leaving here.

What do you mean?

It is time for me to start a life, somewhere else. I have dreams.

Dreams? I do not understand.

There are great kente weavers in Bonwire. Maybe I will go there and study with a master.

But no one leaves Upper Kwanta. We are all born here, and we die here.

There is much more than Kwanta, Kofi. The world is a big sea. I want to dive in. Let the wave carry me.

…

I need a change. Surely you can understand that.

…

…

If you are leaving because of what happened, it is not your fault.

…

Kwasi, it was an accident. It could have happened—

JUST PLAY THE GAME.

…

HALF-MOON

Nana Mosi says

when half of the moon

is bright,

and the other half

is shadowed,

we are supposed to let go