Wind in the Dell

by Khalilah Okeke

The wind
travels   into -

weeping white clouds
finds silver-frosted skies 

waiting.

In the rusted flush of dawn
through steep-walled cliffs

rain splashes on siltstones.

Raptors rouse
in mudstone caves -

canyons peaking beyond

the bosky dells.

Turn Off the Lights

by Khalilah Okeke

Over there

the Black Sea is a jellyfish

shipwrecks pile on shores
building boneyards

moonlight wanes through
a sooty stratosphere

Earth recedes into her bellows.

We crowd in dim-lit houses
porches sodden with ocean water

shaken streets scatter.

Over here

we plant broad-leaved-palm-lilies
in summer

eat backyard crops by candlelight
whiz through city lanes by bike

peg laundry on the washing line.

Our heart chakras
are solar panels -

breathing in the sun
unfurling flowers.

Sacred

by Khalilah Okeke

The paperbark tree swoons
into the scribbly gum.
They are lovers dancing in
morning’s still music.

Branches entwine—
arms reaching for lifetimes.

Rosellas flame
through a peacock feather sky-

swift sweeps of sunrise.