An African Epicedium

Nine rivers you swam Bang, into the marathon Now six rivers you row Into the eternal riddle. Thunder frog-jumps out of mouths Rain splutters from pale sockets ...yestersay. Now I adjust my backpack In memory's frigate. I try to smile For I am not alone-nor ever will be- You answer me in the tree-tops And in the cowrie-dance: I peep into tomorrow today I crack the kernels In the barns of years and years and years to come.