Be Happy by Bolaji Ojurongbe

On a couch

I sink and think on those days

those days you were all I had

like an oily-tarred road, you stretched your goodwill mats

when the foes folded from far from me, their mats

those days your mouth leaked of honey

On my couch

I sink and think on those days

you denied yourself food

for my mouth to be fed

till my belly ached

those warring days

you fought wars, so I could dwell in peace

those days you hawked in the scorching sun

beads of sweat taking abode in you

flight of flies swirling round you

so I could sleep in a cozy bed.

On my couch

I sink and think on those days

you ran to market to sell your hard-earned cloths

for me to raise my hands in schools for answers

you back your wares

so I could back my bags

those days you walked 360 degree

so I could have a degree

you walked many miles to fetch water

for my dying tongue

those days your strong ageing legs

were the bridges that supported my feeble feet.

On my couch

I sink and think on those days

on a kola leaf, like ants you ate

in a calabash, like a lion, I devoured my food.

NOWADAYS

the society calls you a witch

you lost your sons and daughters

it says you a warmonger

a witch you are, but I am a CBN today

where was the society when you were suffering?

now I am coming back home

to change the story to glory

spread your arms and receive me

with a winning smile on your

breathtaking beautiful face

and so we can reminisce together on those days.

Ojurongbe, Bolaji Muis is a teacher in one of the leading private schools in Ilorin, Nigeria. He studied English Education in Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos. He is a poet, short story writer and an essayist. He loves writing about women-related issues and picturing pastoral setting in his work. He has written many yet-to-be-published works, poems and short stories. He wishes to use his works to correct some views about women and to appeal to people to embrace nature.  One of his poems ‘My Love’, was published by PenAStory.