Grandpa’s House

Grandpa’s House

It made sense to start here.

At my grandparents house where I lived in till I was 9.

On the routes I’ve replayed in my head for 24 years.

To touch the gate I always touched last in the dusty races against my sisters.

In the same spot where the agama lizard leapt onto my arm and traumatized me forever.

By the mineral (soda) crates that celebrated Christmas, naming ceremonies, birthdays.

At the rusty sink where I avoided many plate washing duties.

In the room with the bunk beds where we faked siestas (naps) until we heard grandpa footsteps retreat and we would start gisting.

With grandpa…(can’t say much now).

With my sisters Temi, Tolu and Sade. For Vanessa, Elizabeth, Olivia, and Blessing.

The kids are well. Because of all you taught them.

They are at the palm tree, by the gate, on the land, in the home you made for them.

No one is here now, but it makes sense.

To start here.