Here in the Ditches of Kano (Nigeria)

black muddy water won’t flow

jes sit’n here waiting for the rain

winds of Sahara blow dust everywhere

too much to sweep don’t even dare

black muddy water won’t flow

jes sit’n here waiting for the rain

long steps smooth proudly they go

pretty people run’n moving real slow

black muddy water won’t flow

jes sit’n here waiting for the rain

markets so many wares and charms

plastic and bones to make strong arms

black muddy water won’t flow

jes sit’n here waiting for the rain

rows of beggar bowls sown in the street

many go hungry so a few can eat

black muddy water won’t flow

jes sit’n here waiting for the rain

few hands resting on many heads bowed

holy words blurred keep everyone cowed

black muddy water won’t flow

jes sit’n here waiting for the rain

Copyright © 1990 Asili Ya Nadhiri