Of Farm and Life

Okro trees bear
Leaves generous in size,
Each leaf raises its
Stalk to sprout yellow flowers in
The hinge

Between main stalk
And leaf-stalk;
The flowers blossom and light
The farm in yellow flame
Of beauty resplendent;

Soon, they fall, revealing
Stubs of miniature green.
Yam vines,
Lushly green,
Stand on heap tops;

And twine round yam-pegs
In intricate confusion.
Maize too, not yet learnt
To sprout pollen of powder yellow;
Leaves— bird's wings in flight,

Heaves as wind sighs through;
The stalks retch
Wind howls by,
Raves and whistles;
Yam vines wave green arms

In supplication to the gentle wind.
Life issues from the farm;
Life, July's offspring
Of rain's mating
With the dark loam on April's mat.