The gang I swore never to join, I now lead
“Prophesy to us, loser”, they taunt
“Which one of us will betray you next?”

Their laughter was a mockery of my words
Like the howl of hyenas, the shriek of owls,
It rang as true as a prophecy fulfilled
As true as the dusk when it fell on me.

Now they surround me as the night falls deeper
But my fears loom greater than any voice I hear
Keeping me in the firm grip of darkness, and
The torturous circle of guilt and endless regret.

They keep me in the embrace of men I trusted Under the tutelage of self-deceit, among whom I’m now hemmed in, as they bid me good night.

Toyin Taiwo (c) 2020