The Ibadan malimbe is a species of bird endemic to Nigeria, now rare due to forest clearing. The vanishing malimbe bird; a metaphor for those who are forced to leave home to settle in a place they may never fully know.
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First, we’re close to roots
Now, we’re not
First, it’s an easy walk to favourite meals
Now, it’s not
First, we’re with mothers and fathers and aunties
Now, we’re not
Now we’re sitting in a new home
But it is not homeland
We’re dancing to a new tune
But it is not heartbeat
We speak a new language
But with tongue locks
And mouth twists
And clicking teeth
We’re slipping into new body of water
Salty, Tingy,
Cold
How we miss home’s warmth!
How we have escaped its fangs
How we long for familiarity!
How our bodies adjust
