​Self-portrait as a rose blown in two

A Poem by Ayomide ‘Wes Oriolowo

I sat close to you at the back of the truck.
You watched as my eyes danced 
all over your body. I wondered 
who, but us can find love
in a forest of camouflages? Who stringed 
two roses together and watched
as they bled on thorns? 
That was the night
we found our freedom. 
Our bodies bubbled with blood
till our vehicle feasted with fire. Lover, 
I can see even through this film of flames; 
your little girl holding 
her plastic fish in a stroller,
our boys jumping on the sofa,
your arm on my body; right where you left it.
your body, slung by the wind.