Response to Lyambee Aorabee’s “Faisal”

Hide and Seek

when maize is
almost ready
for harvest
we must not play
close to the farm.
hide and seek,
finders keepers,
boji boji.
girls only seek boys
boys only seek God
they find themselves
in a mother’s wrapper
between the ridges
sheltered by listening corn ears.

off the field trip bus
you saw my zipper,
it reminded you of those days
and maize farms.
you cannot wait
for me and you to hide.
boji boji.

Younglan Talyoung