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.