It is dark Volcanic outcrops huddle, as if for warmth. Towering above the darkened rice paddies, they protect this valley, sturdy gods, steadfast. The gray sun bid adieu hours ago, stars peeping through a canopy of trees. This should be a time for silence. But the valley has other ideas Rhino peers across the pond …
Author Archives: Radutti
transit
Mr. Edwin handles the boxes with care Twenty-seven step step step Twenty-seven. Ok. Thirty-four step step step K. Eighteen. One-eight. step step step The work is methodical, rhythmic. Mr. Edwin unhurried, steady. He moves with a grace and precision belying his relaxed manner. Carrying the boxes through the propped-open double doorway. Music drifts, dreamlike, down …
could I thank you for this
Disclaimer; much of the information you hear here may be speculative in nature. Any discrepancies between this account and the truth should be taken up in person at 126/21 Reindolf Rd. Abelempke, Accra. Please knock during business hours only. <FARON YOUNG> My Dad taught me the meaning of elbow grease. I mean, figuratively, sure. He …
slow down
A boy steadily moves toward becoming a man, and time is hurtling by. We decide to slow down. So today our trip is on foot. He’s planned the route with our retro GPS. We call it a map. We have a goal in mind, his favorite restaurant for a lunch date. Just me and Rhino, …
orbit
Our mother earth, steadfast, rhythmic, makes her way around the sun. Roughly 23 of those orbits ago, I stepped onto a ferry bound for an island in the Japan Sea, to a celebration of the earth, of art, music, dance. But especially, of drums. I found Kodo. Taiko drum warriors, gods among men. I listened, danced, …
evelyn’s
It’s been a while since I journeyed over to Tro Tro street. Evelyn knows this, and greets me in kind. Long time! How are you? All good? Yes, good to see you! I do my business and exchange cedis with her. She’s always happy to see her customers. And we’re happy to see her. I’m …
where there’s a wheel
Cart one wobbles by. Empty, the operator imagining a load he’s yet to find. Cart two follows. Centimeter-thick metal wire interlaced on top. Scraps or treasures, depending on your preference, destined to find repurpose. Three men accompany these wheels. Trousers, and untucked sweaty tee-shirts, they are working today. I wonder about their destination, where the …
Student Led
Sometimes it feels like I’m the only one running this race The sunlight trickles in as the ceiling fan keeps things moving D leans her ear into the crook of her elbow as she retells her story A and mum spar playfully, not sure which piece to feature S and mum are quiet. Too quiet …
quiet
Accra is a city of sound Singing, always beautiful. Lively conversations. Shouting, always good natured. Calls to prayer carry the wind. Taxis beep, into forever. Music wins. Tropical, so the birds have their say. They fill the void both early in the morning and at dusk, reminding us it’s time to get moving. And time …
heroic
The yellow kickball sits, tantalizingly close to the Four Square court, yet just out of reach. It teases the 9-year olds as they try to somehow coax it down. The red corrugated roof flashes heat, each indentation creating a perfect track for just such a ball, and, perfectly spaced places for it to get stuck. …
Get Up Eight 