Afolabi Muideen Poet Free verse

Better Life

She never lets a car pass her by
she says
buy my locus beans
buy my oranges
buy my dodo Ikire
she clings her right arm to the bus window
runs after it, fast past a horse
she says

     father mother
     brother sister
     uncle aunt
buy what I sell
      please father
      please mother
      please sister
      please uncle
      please aunt I go to school
I pay school fees
I have to eat
I have to live
buy what I sell
please buy what I sell


dodo-Ikire is a Yoruba word. Dodo mean plantain and Ikire is a town. Dodo Ikire is a kind of plantain made in Ikire, but made special with pepper.

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Paul Callus April 14, 2017 at 4:37 AM You paint a striking picture of everyday scenes in a country where many people find it hard to cope with life. Shows the gap which exists between rich and poor. ~ Regards // paul

Abosede Ogundare April 13, 2017 at 2:56 PM Afolabi, your words are true, we see these people every day, clinging to our cars and buses, just to sell and make ends meet... while some opt to beg on the street,this lovely poem of yours is a contrast to my peasants with pleasant rags. Well done friend.

Probir Gupta April 13, 2017 at 8:45 AM A very well written poem ... I can relate to ... Here too we come across every day the girl running after the taxi or bus ... My full empathy with the spirit of your poem ...

White Wolf April 13, 2017 at 8:23 AM Some of us don't realise how lucky we truly are! Your poem makes me feel grateful, lovely work, and thanks for the information down below! Afolabi Muideen April 14, 2017 at 12:54 AM Truly, we should be thankful.

Demetrios Trifiatis April 13, 2017 at 7:10 AM A beautiful emotional poem that shows the wealth of heart's feelings dear, Afolabi! Afolabi Muideen April 14, 2017 at 12:50 AM Thank you for the warm comment.