Wanderlust

 His eyes weren't there 

When he talked about his journey through

Agadez, 

They were distant and full of memories

Of the dying men and thirsty throats

His eyes were far when he talked about Libya and the journey through the sea

I saw him seated on the faulty boat that capsized in the middle of the sea. 

His eyes became bright, the uncombed wiry igbo man of utako, 

Selling his Okrika

When he talked about the dolphins who came to save them, 

How they jumped gracefully

And sent signals to the border guards

And I fell in love with dolphins that day

Seeing them as he saw them

Graceful and emphatic 

Saviours of men

He came back and would go again

I said to him

You have been saved so many times

Why go back and tempt fate

He shook his head and couldn't explain

And I saw the wanderlust set like a dark cloud. The journey was his path

Someday I think of the thin wiry man

And wonder if the sun and sand of Agadez, got him

If Libya or ISIS got him

If the sea got him

Or if the Dolphins saved him

Or if he is in Europe and is resting

From his wanderlust