Lip Service
The sun blazed like a hearth
Upon the helpless earth
As I strutted from the stream,
My calabash filled to the brim.
I saw him lose his footing,
He fell and hurt his shin
But he fixed his gaze on me,
Cleared his throat and spoke to me:
“Please, a mouthful brother
To quench this raging thirst,
I am sorry this is a bother
But give me a mouthful first”
“Your timing is wrong, brother
Because I am late to church.
Please endure your thirst
Till I return from the church”.
In the church I sang
Until my voice grew hoarse,
I knelt in the pew and prayed
For the good of all my neighbours.
I opened my eyes
And saw the funeral procession.
“A mouthful would have saved him”,
I heard the mourners say.
“May his soul rest in peace”,
I replied and wept.
Copyright © Uchenna Egeonu | Year Posted 2022
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