Joys of Yesteryears
written by: Olubukola Busayo Alabi
Shall I tell you tales?
Of how we were robbed of earthly joys,
Or of how the stars and moon became our toys;
Of how Maami was laid to kiss the earth,
And how Baami strived for daily bread.
Of Mr. Francis fanciful Haveli,
That reminded me of our hotty hut;
Of Mama’s word I held unto,
Of opportunities that passed by us,
When others had what they wanted.
Of adventures to forests and streams,
Other children, to gardens and museums;
When we sucked on fruit induced,
While others held unto a can of juice.
Of how hunger became the bell that,
Drove us to bed and woke us up;
Or of weaved rags to sooth
Compared with the four legged seether,
Of Mr. Francis Grandmother.
Of how we were fed with songs and tales,
And how we walked while others sailed;
Of our frail feet and bloodshot eyes,
Searching for the beauty of the skies,
Because we had not.
When others fine-tuned
As we danced in tune
To Alubata drumbeat
While they made awesome feats,
And celebrated.
Of the random, discordant tour,
That led me into an abatoir;
Or of death sentencing looks and stares,
As we climbed up uncle’s stairs,
On our first visit to the city.
Now I can’t tell you father’s tales,
For these are my tears!
- Joys of Yesteryears - February 12, 2021
