Urhobo
Historical
Society
Eghene
(Youth)
By
Ochuko Tonukari
You
are a
fine youth
For
I
see
your
pictures
and smile.
I know
the color will begin
to bleed away silently.
Your unfettered Ehwe
will be tossed into
a corner
of the closet of your mind,
while you try on
a new wardrobe
of straitjacket suits -
the ambitious black
and the responsible grey.
Your smooth face
will be lined by the
pathways of your choices,
and your straight back
will stoop to conquer
life's battles.
Yet, I will not tell you all.
I will admire
the pretty pictures you take,
and steal a little hue
to tint my own prints.