of anger

and hurt

and grudge.

We are supposed to forgive

each other.

And ourselves.

CONVERSATION CONTINUED

May I ask you a question, Kwasi?

You are stalling.

Tell me about the initiation. Ebo says it will be unpleasant.

Cutting timber all day under a flaming sun is unpleasant. Your initiation will be dreadful.

…

But do not fret. You will be ready, as we all are ready when it is our time.

What else?

You will be taken to an unknown place, you will be tired, you will be hungry, you will get hurt, you will feel like you want to give up, and you will not know the men who torture you. That is what else. Now, it is your turn. Go!

Does Maame know you are planning to leave? Papa?

Play!

I am thinking.

Time is running out for you, he says, nodding to the sand sifting in his glass timepiece.

Why do you have to time me? That is not how I play.

You want to play with the big men, you play by big man rules.

Fine, I say, finally deciding which small stone to move.

If you pick that one, I can assure you that the next move will lead to your capture. Kokoduru!

I am braver than you think.

You are playing scared. KokoDURU, little brother!

SHUT UP, I am trying to concentrate, Kwasi.

You are trying to delay the inevitable.

It is when you cannot win that you must attack, I say, making my move.

Nana Mosi’s words cannot save you, he replies, turning up his lip, and studying the board for the first time with uncertainty.

GAME OVER

Ei! You are getting good

at Oware, he says,

as we play to a draw

for the first time,

both of us capturing twenty-four stones.

But are you good enough

to outrace me to the river? he says,

galloping away

like a tiger.

THE WOODS

The old trees block

what little light

the moon throws

at us,

but we have run

this beaten path

so often

our feet

have memory,

and we trust

their way.

WHY ARE YOU STOPPING?

I ask Kwasi,

who is staring

up at the branches

of a gum tree,

then back

at its base

like he can suddenly see

in the dark.

What do you see, Kofi?

It is dark, I answer. I see nothing. Why did you stop?

There is a rope trap here.

A rope trap? Do you mean for a rabbit?

This rope is much bigger, and much longer, Kofi.

Why is it there?

The bigger question is who is it for? And who put it there?

…

If I were not more careful, I would be hanging upside down at this very moment.

Maybe we should go back.

Ei! Do not be a chicken. Show me how you will win tomorrow, he says, taking off running again, toward the river.

READY. SET. KO!

When we get to the river’s edge

I stand in the water,