Into a Sea and I Will be a Stone

Beautiful words from a beautiful poet - Emmanuel Umeji

after Michael Imossan

The night our shadows mixed as we passed in opposite directions,

I couldn’t sleep until I learned the road so well like a language.

I will pass there and pause to perceive which wind will bring your perfume,

that thing that scents like lust. Sorry, I do not mean to look

at the waist of my sin, but earnestly you are worthy of craving.

Of a bouquet. Of a kiss under the music called rain.

I am learning many roads to your heart.

Your friend says you blend well with songs.

Though I croak and not jingle, but I have love,

a voice that draws everything into its tone. Call it soprano,

alto or tremor, just give it your wholeness. I have learned

all the love songs scattered on Google for you by heart

that when next this path joins our face, I shall melt you with them.

That I do not mind the world when they said everything in love

must be buoyant like a feather

because I will jump into you, a sea, and be a stone.