Flowing like a stream (In memory of Bate Besong)

By Ekpe Inyang

Materials
as building blocks
to make
the message crystal-clear
and safe for public consumption
must flow like a stream

Those at the rear
may take their place at centre stage
or rank themselves with leaders high because
it must flow like a stream

Those at the fore-ranks
may choose
to bring up the rear
or take their place at centre stage because
it must flow like a stream

Those at the centre
may tail the crowd as hand-clappers
or join the ranks of leaders tall because
it must flow like a stream

Centre
rear or front or where
won’t name you goat or dog or pig
or whatever
won’t bring you frontal headache
backache
stomach-ache
toothache
if where you are is insurance that
it will flow like a stream

Comments

[Tem Edwin Nji]

Dear Ekpe Inyang,

This is great work you are doing here to honour the iconoclastic BB. Inyang we are not surprise when a rabbit insults a dead lion; but just shake the tail of the Lion, and the rabbit goes fleeing. This is the time Inyang for us to begin to think about our contribution to the empowerment of our people, a beggered people cught up in this sub-saharan African Darfur. Keep the flame, Inyang.