LIES

My dear sister,

When you told me to visit you in the city,

You conveniently forgot to mention

How ‘safe’ it was…

That there would be friends who would

Kindly relieve me of my luggage.

That they would persuade with tender knuckles

And soft clubs if necessary

Sister, you forgot to mention

That there were many,

Who would help empty my pockets

When they felt rather full!!

Considering that they had few contents.

My dear sister,

Why did you not tell me,

That the ladies who claimed

To ‘love me’ when they were astraddle of me

And only in bed

Were out to ruin my heart,

That they shared their talents

With every man who cared,

That they wanted coin and bread.

My dear sister,

 When I came to the city,

Why did you not tell me

To learn mother tongue

And let university be,

For jobs were given on tribe

Not on skill or papers that had no meaning

Dear sister,

Now I know

I return to the village wiser

To help my people grow.

You sister can keep dressing

Like you danced with a leopard

And entertain the men you wish.

But if you find that witch that lied to me,

Tell her, her talents were useful

If you find the man I gifted my teeth

Tell him I have more money,

To share with him

And the boss that said I was too dark

Tell him I love basking the sun.

Dear sister, please take care.