So, Aya? We’re waiting.

excerpts from Abouet and Oubrerie’s “Aya”

photograph by A.B. Godfreed

Wash a dog’s eyes
one day it’ll bite you
I’ve come here today
to cast out all evil spirits!

For us black people
France is a land of pain,
not plenty
She’s got a hard heart, dêh!
You’re not wanted