Paul Ayodele ONANUGA, Ph.D.

In the twilight
Suitors swarm
Like termites after the June rains
Flocking
To the village belle’s front yard
Awaiting a glimpse
Tonight
With gifts like the peregrinating Magi
Of gold, cloths, and a tray of sweet words.

Peeking through the wooden window,
She gazes at the burgeoning Serengeti
Beading her waist, she delights
Exuding flowery blossoms
Of youthful attraction
And with eyes leaping, telling untold stories,
She wriggles to the sonorous songs
Of jousting admirers for whom
Words are daggers and balm.

Laying claim to no one
Betraying no emotions
She dazzles the sizzling spectators
And carts love’s boons and bonuses.

Dr Paul Ayodele Onanuga teaches in the Department of English and Literary Studies of Federal University Oye-Ekiti. Her research interests include youth, music, & pop culture as well as queer sexualities in Nigeria.

To Cite: Onanuga, Paul Ayodele. ‘Serenade’. Roses, Thorns & Fireflies. EWA, 5.2 (March 2022): 21