So, tell me, what was Goodluck’s penalty? he says, chewing away at the kola seeds. Did he make you hold a stack of books over your head and say your numbers in English?

No, we just read.

Torture.

In truth, it does not bother me. I actually enjoy it.

A witch has cast a spell on you, chale.

To be, or not to be, I say in my best Mr. Phillip imitation.

Ei! Speak Twi! We are not in class.

Ebo, how much gold did you find?

I promise you, barely a crumb.

At this rate, you will be an old man with a cane and no hair before you collect even a Benda of gold, I say, laughing, then turning to leave.

Then I will die rich and happy with my one Benda, he says, laughing too. Ei! What about the river?

I cannot swim today. I must get home.

I will walk with you, then. In case your cousin and his herd are waiting.

And what will you do if they are?

I will run for assistance. HELP! HELP! I will scream, he says, laughing.

You are a true friend.

Seriously, do you think I have a chance with your sister?

Daabi, I tell him, shaking my head. Not in a hundred seasons.

TROUBLE

When I arrive

at our compound

Kwasi and Nana Mosi

are seated

on opposite sides

of an ivory game board,

playing Oware.

So focused

on winning, which

no one has ever done

against Nana Mosi,

Kwasi does not

even look up

when he tells me

that everyone

knows of my wrongdoing

because my cousin

came around earlier

singing

like a guinea fowl.

AFTER LOSING

three straight times to our

grandfather, Kwasi finds me

counting in English.

CONVERSATION WITH KWASI

Mr. Goodluck Phillip is still miseducating his students, ei?

He says he is on a mission to widen the sea of our intellect and understanding.

He is on a mission to capsize our culture, I promise you.

Nana Mosi beat you again?

Our grandfather has been playing Oware for nearly one hundred years. He is unbeatable. This I know.

He just needs better competition probably.

You are the one with jokes, he says, laughing. It appears that I am not the only one with an adversary.

Can you teach me to punch like you?

Fighting is not the answer.

That is easy to say for someone who fights as well as you do, Kwasi.

You have a sharp mind, little brother. Try using that. Outsmart him.

My thoughts are no match for his fast legs, or his powerful fists.

But there are things you have that are powerful. Use these.

What kind of things do you speak of?

Am I to come up with every answer to your problems? Figure it out.

…

You must face this, head high.

But what if I—

Ei! The bird who dares to fall is the bird who learns to fly!

What does that even mean?