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Just Another Message

Mama was going to be very busy today
(very busy cos it was Saturday)
There were jobs and work to do 
Piles of clothes and washing too
Usually she would be preoccupied
And the children will have a day not fried
by “What are you doing” or “Get off that Swing”
or “Stop that playing and make that bell ring”
Those jerky and crazy stuff they’d do 
Or make us do now i’m confused
So anyway the soap was out
Used up in her laundering bout
And she pointed a crooked finger and said
Jimmy , "Two Ariel One peak milk, six Joy soap and bread"
Poor Jimmy could only stare and mope
And she spit on the floor and she cried
Make sure you’re back before that's dried
And she tossed some  bills and turned her face
And poor Jimmy began his roundabout race
Chanting
"Two Ariel, One peak milk, six Joy soap and bread"
"Two Ariel, One peak milk, six Joy soap and bread"

For a while the going was understood
he took short cuts the going was good
Then he met old Olaf by the door 
And stop to greet him but only swore
Now I've messed it up. Which is what?
Is it three joy soap or bread I thought
(And he confused his poor brain the more)
Now it was "Three bread, six Joy milk, and Ariel flour"
Thankfully Mallam Habib’s shop was by the corner
Though Jimmy didn’t know it , he was a goner
He stumbled breathlessly, "I need these
Two Ariel One Joy, and three Peak peas"
Habib stared at him and held back a guffaw
Nevertheless he took the money and then he saw
Written in tiny and clear print, it firmly said
Give him "Two Ariel, One peak… bread"
Jimmy was so thankful "You’re so kind
how do you even y’know read my mind"
"But what’s the fun if I told you
Run along you have a job to do"
Jimmy snapped and sadly cradled his behind
Of course he knew the spit had dried
And if there was anything Ma was good at
It was spanking with a baseball bat

Copyright © Afam Ugwuanyi | Year Posted 2023

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