Souvenir

A Journal

"I'm going to come back to West Virginia when this is over. There's something ancient and deeply-rooted in my soul. I like to think that I have left my ghost up one of those hollows, and I'll never really be able to leave for good until I find it. And I don't want to look for it, because I might find it and have to leave".----Breece D'J Pancake, in a letter to his mother. 

David Ishaya Osu

 

 

joy


Next easter
will not
sleep in your body
nor tiptoe
to the tinderbox
placed on
my birthbed –I’ve                                             
got a city                                               
bluer in noise                                                 
than the joy                                               
of mending                                                 
your winter coat

 


Mama said



i
make books
with the skin
of plum
pie
of rainbow
tea–
this was exactly
how hard
light and lovely
mama said
controlling bolts and
boys should be

 

 


 

David Ishaya Osu (b. October 27, 1991) is a Nigerian poet. His works have appeared in publications including: The New Black MagazineAfrican WriterGobbet MagazineElohi Gadugi JournalThe Kalahari ReviewAnn Arbor ReviewSentinel Annual Literature Anthology (SALA 2012)Poetic DiversitySOFTBLOW Poetry JournalHelicon MagazineHedgerowUndertow Tanka ReviewWatershed Review, and elsewhere. David is currently exploring Japanese poetry forms, as well as polishing his debut poetry book. He is also a street photography enthusiast.


 

 

 

 

 

I have kept a seashell for a while now. I got it from Eko Beach Tourist Resort in Lagos. It’s a gift from the sea, from water, from life. By this, I am reminded that water no get enemy. And, occasionally, I use the shell as spoon. One other souvenir I cherish is a hug. I keep every hug I get and give—and, the people who shared the love. Hugs bind me to people’s heart literally.