Poems

Spikin’s Epistle

Dear God, I pray on the day my life comes to an end

That it should happen in my own room
 
In the presence of my family, sisters and brothers
Lord, I pray this happens in my house
 
When I complete my days, brethren, I implore you
 
When you hear the news, gather at my house
 
Whether this happens in daytime or the middle of the night
Please do not hesitate when you hear of my passing
 
And when the funeral prayers are done, waste no time
In conveying me to my grave site
 
And when you arrive there, lay me down
With kindness in memory of my good deeds
 
Do not make my grave site distinct from others
Spread earth on my coffin
 
And when this is done and all have left
Let all persons return to their daily occupations
 
As for third, seventh and fortieth-day prayers
I do not care very much for these
 
As for those who weep and yell and make a show
I pray God prevents this for my sake
 
I feel great compassion for those who attend my funeral
For the trouble they will take to bury me
 
From bathing me to taking me
With the troubles these entail at my end
 
Indeed, on that day that If I could do these myself
I would have spared my brethren this trouble
 
I’ll stop at this so my letter can come to an end
Amina’s father, Mudi Spikin, signs off now.