TOPE OGUNDARE

The Heart of Darkness

The verdant green canopy
Of the tropical rainforest
Shuts out the sun’s searching
Rays. In its belly is a world
Lurking with malevolence.

The boughs of the Odan tree
House the ancestral spirits.
It is a nidus of treachery—
Esu laalu plays tricks on
Weary wayfarers.

At night, the forest comes alive
Wild beasts comingling with
Nocturnal spirits, nymphs,
Satyrs, and mean gods seeking
Mischief and vengeance.

Its vines hang like thick curtains
Its paths windy, mysterious
Air alive with secrets and terror.
The destination of souls doomed
By the gods.

The forest eats the hearts of the
Bravest hunters, they cower at its
Menacing darkness. Deep in its heart,
Where mystery and beauty coalesce,
Legends are made—men who fought
With gods and triumphed.

Tope Ogundare is a Nigerian who writes poetry, short stories, and essays. He has two poetry collections, ‘The Book of Pain’ (Sevhage Press, 2018), and “Will you buy my wares?” (Assure press, 2023). His works have appeared in Brittle Paper, Kalahari Review, Sentinel Literary Quarterly, Pilcrow and Dagger, Moonchild Magazine, TinyTim Literary Review, DASH, Intima, Snapdragon, The Aquila, Argot Magazine, Pangolin Review, Minute Magazine, Nailed Magazine, and elsewhere.