Each day

Tall, slim and fat

black and white people

walk, run and pass the streets.

Rushing for deadlines,

sad minds and night shifts.

Hands in their pockets,

morning breeze blew their hair

while licking their lips endlessly.

Each day mothers promise their babies for tomorrow

today cooking porridge for nations,

Heads aching, hearts breaking and souls resting

just at the end of each day.

Each day, I smell the smoke of fire

from nearby firms,

from and to a place that holds

the expression on my face

happy, satisfied and successful.

Of course, I am still a student

I take in and hold my breath

for every word you utter.

I exhale and release my breath

for every story you tell.

Eish, I am a race,

I put on a vintage beige blazer

just to maintain my integrity.

I put on my ragged brownish scarf

just to warm up the neck and my dignity.

Each morning, I freeze myself deliberately

because, My mama deliberately wanted the best for me...

Wait, I redeemed her good will.

Each evening, I wipe away the shadows of failure

in your face, her face and mine.

In your place, hers and mine.