ARROW

The archer  found her mark

Tearing through his left thigh

The poisoned arrowhead stuck out

Proudly decorated with pieces of flesh

His legs wobbled

As bright red blood oozed freely

From his thigh unto the sands

He glared at his adversary

His blood curdled by what he saw

The lady had reached into her quiver

Drawn another arrow

And was aiming at his head

His legs gave way

And he fell to his knees

Just in time to hear the second arrow

Whiz by above his head

He heard the girl laugh

Sweet, melodious laughter

He loved her voice

His head was spinning

He had lost too much blood

Feeling groggy

He fell flat on the ground

The sand was warm and inviting

And nearby, he smelt blood

His blood

He heard footsteps

A blow to his head jolted his departing senses

Was it the sole of a boot?

He tried to open his eyes

He could see the girl

Peering into his face, smiling satisfactorily

Her face was beautiful

But her eyes were cold and merciless

His stomach churned in anger

Summoning his last drop of strength

He pulled out the arrow from his thigh

And swiftly buried it into his adversary's neck

His body quaked in rigor

As the poison started taking effect

But his mind was calm

And he tried to smile

The dying groans of the young girl

Made pleasant music

As their bodies were ferried

Across the sands of time

©Kelvin Alaneme, 2014. Follow on Twitter @dr_alams. 

For more, visit www.kelvinalaneme.blogspot.com

THE ARMY WIFE

I feel his scars as I rub his back

Two marks from bullet wounds

Sustained in a peace-keeping mission 

He was scarcely around

But whenever he was in

The children played 'Soldier' with his boots

While I held him in my arms

Behind every strong solider

Stands a stronger woman

I wear no uniforms

But my job is as tough as it gets

I am the one always left behind

All alone during redeployments

My heart torn into twelve pieces

As I watch him march away

Loving a military man is tasking

Alone in the labour room

Consoled only by a phone call

I welcome and suckle the newborn 

While taking care of the other children 

I carry the family burden

On my fragile shoulders

Everyday as I watch the news

And read of bombs and deaths in papers

I hope and pray that he is alive

I try to stay positive 

Believing that he will be home safely

I have accepted my fate

Of perpetual uncertainty

I cherish every moment we share

I hold on to every touch

Savour every kiss 

I have memorized the feel of his skin

And the countless 'sweet nothings'

He whispers in my ears

I play it over and over in my mind

It makes my love evergreen

But here I am again

Hugging him and saying 'See you soon'

Committing him into God's hands

I cannot help but wonder

Will he come home to me?

Or...I cannot bear to contemplate

The unspeakable alternative 

So I try to stay strong

And clothe my breaking heart

With the courage of an army wife

©Frankie Agba, 2014.

Management: @dr_alams.

HADIZA

She is my northern beauty

All covered up in hijab

Draws her khimar over her bossom

Covered up in burqa when in public

Yet she radiates joy from within

She is chaste and virtuous

Face shining with purity

A reflection of dignity

Arousing reverence

She is very modest 

Different from the city girls

Soft-spoken, never raises her voice

Lowers her gaze as a sign of respect

Meek as a lamb

Innocent at heart

A maiden without blemish

A symbol of womanhood

My lady is very spiritual

Prays five times every day

She says the Fajr at dawn, Zuhr at noon

Asr in the afternoon and Maghrib at sunset

She ends the day with the Isha at night

As commanded by the prophet

She is Allah's own child

A jewel to behold

I was charmed since the day we met

I wanted a kiss

Craved for your touch

Longed for your warmth

'It is a sin against Allah,' you said

'We will burn in the fires of Jahannam'

So you declined it all

And my longings persisted

My love

I want to take you with me

And make you my woman

I want no other

I hope you will come with me

On a new, exciting adventure 

Will you marry a kafir?

Will you follow me to my people?

Will you be mine, O Hadiza?

©Frankie Agba, 2014.

Management: @dr_alams.

HER HAIR...

Long, luxurious and coffee-brown

It flowed down her neck

Wavy down to its last strand

It shimmered in the morning sun

As she hugged me, I kissed her neck

And inhaled deeply

The fragrance of exotic oils

I held it in my hands

Soft in texture, firm in consistency

I pulled a little

She squirmed

Then she laughed 

I played with it, made ponytails

Rolled the ends into a bob

I gathered it together

Fertile, brown, rich gift

Hers grow very fast and lush

It scintillates, it mesmerises

Many girls pay exorbitantly to have a taste

Of the magic inherent within

She sat in front of the mirror

I was standing behind her

'Do it,'she said, smiling

I took one glance at the treasure

Littered on the crown of her head

Then measuring off lengths with my tape

I cut

In the living room, two eager ladies

Paid for the packets she handed them

It was her hair

Now it is theirs

She smiled as she counted the money

It was enough for tuition and rent

Her new look radiated youth

She bubbled with energy as she walked

Her facial features were more prominent

And her hourglass shape stood out

I fell in love with her new hair

Short, curly and coffee-brown

Yielding obediently to the comb

Growing at the speed of light

©Kelvin Alaneme, 2014. Follow on Twitter @dr_alams.