[We are our winters]

We are our winters
I’ve watched the sun look a bit grey,
paints on churches
beating gongs in temples.
If the odd slams and the flower
that lied awake on his bracelet
come to live,
we would drop their fumes like bells
and spread it all over the tiles.
If they’ll kick their toes about
and walk-through days night after night,
we’ll align our words that’s God’s
and pull down our scarfs
of melon and date.
we’re not very good a poem,
until we read through the sea again.

Zakiyyah Dzukogi is a Nigerian poet. She is published in Upwrite Nigeria, Wind and Water chapbook, The Nigeria Review, INNSAEI Journal, Konyashamrumi, Literature Voices, Book O’clock, Corona Blues, Heart Links Magazine, etc. She has featured in many Zoom panels discussing poetry including Red Eyes Development Initiative, PIN, 16 days for 16 poets, Open Arts etc. Zakiyyah is the winner of the Nigerian Prize for Teen Authors, poetry 2021.