by Sakariyahu Abdulwasi’h
the season i started growing roses in my father’s garden, i knew
I’d bedded a threat for other plants to sprout callously
like a summer monsoon. for i knew
the grace of roses is a burden to the entire orchard.
i would go to the garden, sip the throat
of the roses & the cosmopolitan it’s turning —-only
to imprison other plants in a dusty palace of an emperor—-
who committed treason against his own throne. ponder
if my threat alone is able to unearth their loins?
yesterday the news of the roses
ruling the garden was broken to me.
& the plants in it were like rays of sunflowers, blooming
outside of my skepticism. that’s where i disagree
with the saying “the grass get greener, where you
water it.” i know some plants are stupid plants
they just need some threats to grow.
About the Author:
S. Abdulwasi’h Olaitan is a Nigerian introverted poet, a savant, graphic designer & essayist. He writes from a city 5,280 miles away from hell, & a second close to haven “ilorin”. He is deeply devoted to God and lover of his parents. He’s the author of the shortlisted chapbook “Life, An Objet D’art” (Arting Arena Poetry Chapbook Prize 2023) and was a finalist for Chukwuemeka Akachi prize (2024). His works appear and are forthcoming on Believeau Books, Pictura journal, Lit Shark, Pawners Paper, Carolina Muse, UGR,The Graveyard Magazine, Arts lounge, Eco punk literary, OPA, MMXVI, Avant Appalachia, Ta Adesa, Wordsmpire, Shooting Star, & elsewhere.