Alter Ego

How true it is
That today is yesterday’s tomorrow
When my nostrils ran
And I licked the dripping mucus
While you suckled on Eszhiiokwum’s nipple

You were both the canoe and the paddle
And I was the diver who stayed afloat
Defying turbulent waves…

The sea brought you an eel
And I found a shell ashore

Troubled by the glint in your greedy eyes
I stretch my worn hands
If only you’ll take it

And look upon me as your undying shadow
Secure in muted appeals
Yearning for your contentment!

© Patrick Iberi

• Alter Ego is taken from Patrick Iberi's forthcoming poetry collection, Echoes of a Desolate Voice. Used with permission.
• Iberi is the Art Editor of Sentinel Poetry Online.

Bandele on Goodbye Lucille

Segun Afolabi's first novel, Goodbye Lucille, is now out in the UK by Jonathan Cape. The novel was reviewed by fellow Nigerian Biyi Bandele in last Saturday's Guardian Review. Bandele, playwright and author of The Street, was born in Northern Nigeria to Yoruba parents from the Southwest - like Afolabi.

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Caine winner Afolabi's collection of short stories, A Life Elsewhere, was published in 2006. And Bandele's second novel, Burma Boy, will be published this summer.

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Bandele's review of Goodbye Lucille here.