Half of a Yellow Sun

(for Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)

War-wearied families dizzied by un-slaked thirst
Conjure again and again, from memory, images
Of beloved salt, fresh salt, salty foods-
Now as dire and scarce and sweet

As fresh love’s touch, tongue to tang
Through the sore half of a yellow sun.

Time, bold and buoyant and beautiful,
Thinned to a desperate Salt-Quest
Across depleted bunkers and borders of strife,
Through the sore half of a yellow sun.

Abstract thoughts of its crystal vitality
Float and fall on the aching head.

Abstract images sweeten one starving second,
But tantalize the belly and the mind timelessly.

© Chiedu Ezeanah

• The poet posted this on the Half of a Yellow Sun website on 12 September. It is reproduced here in its original verse form, with permission.