For He was a Shrub among the Poplars By Christopher Okigbo

For He was a Shrub among the Poplars 

By

Christopher Okigbo

For he was a shrub among the poplars 

Needing more roots 

More sap to grow to sunlight 

Thirsting for sunlight

A low growth among the forest.

Into the soul

The selves extended their branches 

Into the moments of each living hour 

Feeling for audience

Straining thin among the echoes; 

And out of the solitude

Voice and soul with selves unite

Riding the echoes

Horsemen of the apocalypse

And crowned with one self 

The name displays its foliage, 

Hanging low

A green cloud above the forest.