May 2015
I am a book blogger, reader, writer and interviewer. My work has appeared or is forthcoming in Kalahari Review, The New Black Magazine, African Writer, Visual Verse, Nigerians Talk, and Linden Avenue. I blog at www.geosireads.wordpress.com.
My Father But Not My Father
He’s my father but not really my father
That’s the best way I probably could describe him
Sitting under the almond tree one Christmas
Eve, he appeared like a whirlwind, I barely could
Recognize him. I don’t know you, I almost shouted
Until Mama saved the words from gushing out of
My mouth. The way Mama threw me into his arms,
Like she wanted to say take him away, I frowned.
He was a stranger. At nine, how do I accept anybody
as my father?
He’s my father but not really my father
That’s the best way I probably could describe him
When he pulled out a knockout and showed me how to spark it
Holding my hand and sparkling the light out of it, the knockout
Flew out of my hands, far into the skies until it made a loud noise.
He brought me a pair of shoes and Tommy Hilfiger blue jeans
And designer sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts. I jumped into the skies
And showed it to Mama as I could not contain my joy.
When he left, I broke down heavily in tears,
And queried Mama about the truth.
©2015 Geosi Gyasi