A Passing: 2

In salt and lime I washed off
The blue vervain, then stirred
In a cooking pot. He spoke alive poems:
Like rain birds and black birds
In the shadows that taught people
How to lift off the ground like sahara
Dust, when thunder swallowed the cries
From their throats like conch shells
Let out to remember the language
Of canoes on obsidian
Tides, sirius stars, beaded
Mask dances to the drum.
Said not to add sugar,
That the bitterness was medicinal,
That those whose pillows were rock stone
And still did not wait to be buried
Facing east before they rose
Knew what those who were in paradise
Stole from their own souls.

Adjei Sun is a poet and facilitator based in Birmingham, England. His emotionally resonant poetry has been performed nationally and internationally including at The World Expo, Birmingham Hippodrome and The Natural History Museum, London. He was also formerly awarded as a BBC 1Xtra Future Figure for his work as a poet supporting young people and communities, leading creative and educational projects. He often draws on Caribbean storytelling and histories, environmental themes, surrealism and social justice poetic traditions. You can find Adjei Sun on Instagram @adjeisun.