Lullaby by Michael Echeruo

Now the sun goes down
Into the valley
Beyond the palms
The broods will be returning 


Soon the last cock will crow,
The last clay pot be stowed
And the fifth finger licked

Sheep and dogs and kinds
Beside the heart
Sleep beyond all reproach

Let fireflies fly
In your eyes
By the play ground sand
Under a quarter of the moon

The sun has died again
In the dark valley
Beyond the high-arched roots
of the demon tree


Then, it was your afternoon
And love was in your eyes
Now the sun has set
The virgin moon is out again
A most maidenly quarter moon.