LIPS

Some are round like the letter O
…looking like kanko when in surprise
Some are half circles down
…the number 3 on its belly for their upper
Some are hidden in hugging closure
…like treasures of kings
Some have hanging lowers
…and chasing uppers
Some have middle bridges as big as the circle overhead
Some tops fold their lower parts
…like their cloths
And hide them after talking
Some are like bɔbrapa
…and its nkatasoɔ
Still, some are shaped as though human carvers spared no time
…in perfecting them
Making them as inviting as delicacies untasted
Some are indescribable
…you form your description after seeing them yourself
But they’re all pairs of lips

II
Sometimes they open for good tidings
Sometimes they open to announce doom
Sometimes they open to spew hatred
Sometimes they open to spill trash
Sometimes they open to push crimes
Sometimes they open to close
…without words
Eyes watch them all
Ears listen in on their opening gates
…lips

III
Those who work all the time
…abuse their requirement
…and tire the desire of their listeners
Those who manage a medium
…get ready ears mostly
Those who seldom open theirs
…gain respect
Stashing eager ears at every point in their lives
…should they attempt to talk
…lips

IV
So know when to unzip it
…your lips
Know when to zip it
…those lips
To help your foolishness stay wisdom
…in heads of watchful eyes
That is all the sanity you need, a lock on your trashy thoughts
…to walk through life
…as an ignoramus
Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia © May 30, 2020