Versione Italiana | Nota biografica | Versione lettura |
To an uncountable number of places I wandered,
Like Odysseus of Ithaca or Omenuko of Mgborogwu,
Or even like the unbranded animals of Samuel Maverick;
Herding towards the direction that the instinct commanded –
With the undying hope of discovering the Promised Land.
Traversing the Sahara urine became water to sate my thirst.
In the sea storm broke the boat I was in and my spirit nearly.
Out of the ninety stuffed in the save-me-God boat I survived,
Sprawling on water like jetsam floating towards Lampedusa.
Mother Mary in the guise of a rescue team drew me to safety.
Finding myself finally in El Dorado I did the sign of the cross,
Convinced without any doubt that my problems were over,
Not knowing that the reality was but another thing altogether.
That as problem of a sort terminates another blossoms forth –
Reminding me that my odyssey was anything but being over.
Groping for a place to lay my head I ended up in a corner,
And quickly made a bed, mattress, and pillow of cartons.
But no sooner I closed my eyes than road sweepers came,
Chasing me away as well as cursing me for the extra task.
Ransacking the area anew an abandoned shanty saved me.
With accommodation settled I started looking for a work.
Following ads for menial jobs I went to one dozen places,
But in all the cases I was told: ‘Sorry, we are complete.’
Adding one to one I discovered that the city is not for me,
Unless I change my nose, body’s colour, or hair’s texture.
‘Jobs the citizens don’t do’ ads quickly captured my attention,
Juxtaposing the farms and foundries for me to make my choice,
Excluding options that make my presence an embarrassment.
Without pondering much I chose the foundry for the money,
Not minding I will be seared and thus black-and- tan the more.