Spikin’s Letter
When my day is done, dear Lord
I pray it happens in my own room
In front of all my loved ones, sisters and brothers,
I beg you, Lord, let it be in my compound
When I draw my last breath, my people, I tell you
Gather at my place without delay
Whether it’s at noon or at midnight
Just come right over
After the farewell prayers, waste no time
Take me to my grave
When you get there, set me in the earth
Kindly, remembering my good deeds
Don’t make my grave different from the rest
Cover it with dust
When all this is over, let everyone
Return to their daily occupations
As for third, seventh and fortieth-day prayers
I really don’t care
As for those people who weep and wail for show
For God’s sake, don’t do this in my name
I’m sorry for the mourners
For the trouble they will take to bury me
From bathing me to carrying my casket
And the trouble this will cause them
Indeed, if I could do these things myself
I would spare you, brothers and sisters
Here I end my letter, signed
Mudi Spikin, father of Amina