Republish: “Halves of the Bivalve”

(Adapted from “Double Barrel”, a WIP), first published on ECO ~ INSTIGATOR #37.

Glossary of Izon words used:

kaikai — local dry gin. mamiwata — mermaid(s). Nua — greetings (thank you, in context). okpoku — freshwater bivalve, clams, water-snail. udan pulo — kernel oil. Woyin — Our Mother (Creator-God).

Ala and Bibo walked arm in arm, straight to the general jetty — a concrete edifice that stretched riverwards— and sat on the first step of its grand staircase, which descended into the chocolate river water.

It was usual to wait for a long time before the boat arrived. During the waits, Ala’s eyes wandered as they did presently, exploring the curves and smooths of the village — Akuama. The village cuddled the river like a lover on a rainy morning and, together, blanketed by waning forests, they formed a jagged, giant bow without a string.

From behind the trees on the other side of the river, as if seeking refuge from the anger of the villagers, the gas flare installation delivered its ear-splitting, fiery noise.

Canoes and boats, tied to either wooden jetties or pinned stick-anchors, clustered the entire stretch of the waterside. And household wastes and faeces of different sizes littered the water close to the bank, where it barely flowed and stank. Unlike the gas fire, the pollution in the water close to the bank didn’t even attempt to hide its face; it rudely stared at the face of anyone who dared conduct his business at…