Before bedtime I wrapped the stone in paper, put it in an old sock, tied it into a knot, and hid it at the bottom of my basket of clothes.
She was in my dream that night. We held hands and walked by the lake. Her eyes were the color of the lake, ambiguous blue. Her young breasts, dark around the nipples, brushed my chest as she hugged me several times.
Why did you run away? I asked her. They said you were everywhere? She looked away before replying in a whisper. I did not run; I only walked away from trouble. See – she pointed in the direction of the blocks – there is too much trouble over there. You should join me. We will be happy and far away from them. She walked ahead of me, into the lake. The water reached her neck. She turned and beckoned. I took two steps in her direction.
Frightened, I shivered like small flowers, and fled.
Timothy Ogene was born and raised in Nigeria, but has since traveled and lived in Germany and Liberia. He has published in literary journals and magazines, including: Poetry Quarterly, Kin Poetry Journal, 2Paragraphs, Mad Swirl, Blue Rock Review, Medulla Review, and other places. He is a contributing poetry editor at aaduna, and currently lives and studies in Texas.
Featured artwork by Aiez Mirza.
