The Boy Is Deep Asleep

there he lies in cool African shade
ear-cuffed with strings of music
feeling lost in the world around
caring less about everything else

a wood-pecker stands on his back
pecks neck, mouth, vertebral column
whatever is happening is irrelevant
because the boy is deep asleep

a snake crawls and culls by his side
then puts its head near his mouth
but he cares not about the danger
because the boy is deep asleep

wind blows dust and trash all over
white smart shirt carries all filth
but he cares not about events around
because the boy is deep asleep

thunder and lightning slashes the sky
everything on earth’s surface shelters
and he wakes up wet, dirty and late
tears roll down his cheek wide awake

his wailing echoes the wilderness
ear-cuff is throw away in flight
but it is too late, too late to survive
but sleep is not there to rescue him

and a sparrow laughed at him singing;
“Go back, sleep, wise boy sleep all sleep.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Bocsa Avatar
August 31, 2017 at 5:01 AM
Like ancestors telling story near the fire, some drawing scenes on the walls and the se gaining life and moving with the fire like legends are born, like mythologics.
Ochwo-Oburu Avatar
August 31, 2017 at 9:00 AM
Indeed the boy is Africa deep asleep as the world tortures her without mercy after offering a shadow of comfort- music in the ears. Great, Bocsa
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace