In two ways have I loved Thee - Rabi’a of Basri

In two ways have I loved Thee: selfishly,
And with a love that worthy is of Thee.

Lines on Wood - Limam Boicha

As I listened to that old and beautiful song
its fine words were baptised by the flames
igniting the bonfire of this poem

Kaidara (excerpt) - Amadou Hampâté Bâ

When the Great Forger of the skies reached his forge,
he plied his bellows till the forge came alight.

More rich taints yer! - Mamoudou Lamine Kane

At Nouakchott’s reddened intersections,
Baseless arrogance behind each wheel
Pouring down pot-holed roads
Towards who knows what hazy occupations.

O ignee Spiritus / Hymn to the Holy Spirit - Hildegard of Bingen

Praise to you
Spirit of fire!
to you who sound the timbrel
and the lyre.

Debtors’ Lane (with Drums & Ogene) - Christopher Okigbo

A & B: This is debtors’ lane, this is
the new haven, where wrinkled faces
watch the wall clock strike each hour
in a dry cellar.

Hashtag - Davina Philomena Kawuma

Headphones edged with brio,
bulging over skirted sofas.
Sport is the new sex.

Run, Heart, Run - Efemia Chela

I exercise this muscle in my chest
with bad love, fake affection.

Civilian and Soldier - Wole Soyinka

My apparition rose from the fall of lead,
Declared, 'I am a civilian.' It only served
To aggravate your fright. For how could I
Have risen, a being of this world, in that hour
Of impartial death! And I thought also: nor is
Your quarrel of this world.

Departure - Chaman Lall

I
This wind sighing recalls certain things.
I warned you:
Beware of it:
Passion has wings;