When at dawn I find three stones at my
Doorstep, I smile at dawn
Prayers, in haste, come to my lips
My eyes rove wantonly and behold a
Poet caressing a naked virgin.

When at dawn I find three stones at my
Doorstep, messages rustle to my ears
I prepare a costly repast for a palmist
My smile is faint.
I am from Caesar’s age, believing my wife’s
Dreams and not her nightmares
I am African, black as soot, and revering
Soot’s commands with it.

When at dawn I hear my dog sneeze
I smile at dawn who had brought forth
The three stones which my dog in three
Sneezes wets.
I nod. My dog winks.
We await messages from the stones.