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Best Poems Written by Michael Okoroike

Below are the all-time best Michael Okoroike poems as chosen by PoetrySoup members

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The Cashier

Even when they smiled or they talked to me, 
What I purchased was what mattered to me... 
To now be the cashier is comedy;
I'm forced to "ask" about your wellbeing...

None have ever asked of my wellbeing, 
Though I slave for you while baring my teeth 
And prompting debit, or coupons or credit, 
And making sure all you want, you get it... 

At first, I oozed personality, and
Tried to coat my very tongue in silver, 
But my every finger is made of rubber,
And you turn impatient, forgetting you're flattered...

They told me to ooze personality,
While expecting way, way much more of me...
Think! someone used 5 ways to buy 4 things,
Scurried out and away---what personality!!!

Copyright © Michael Okoroike | Year Posted 2017



Details | Michael Okoroike Poem

Nature, the Egotist

I pray that Nature is no Egotist 
That gets an A plus on a test 
And doesn't study the rest of the term...

Though I don't judge, 
(It's merely I), 
You've been too poor
To not catch my eye...

You're assigned to give life 
For this eternal term, 
And making all perfect's
The rubric you've got, 
But you've failed too many 
To judge judgmental me, 
Because you've born some 
That can't even judge! 

I thought you loved Art
And your every creation...

You forgot to make 
The others hot like me 
(Outside of the days 
That they run in the Sahara)! 

These very words, I can only imagine, 
Are the words thought over the world and water--- 
You're full of yourself 
To slack on them, 
Just because you're proud that you made me.

Copyright © Michael Okoroike | Year Posted 2017

Details | Michael Okoroike Poem

I Was Turning 13


Turning 13, being young and dumb, 
I fell to my knees, pleading "Drums! Drums! Drums!"
Both of them said "No gifts and no games
Until you decide to improve your grades." 

I wondered confused, and even dismayed;
"Can they do this to me on my birthday?"
I yelled and screamed so they could hear and see 
That they were unfair; I'd gotten straight C's!

They seemed just fine with a heartbroken child;
They knew I wanted drums---they'd known awhile, 
So i just wouldn't talk to them awhile;
I'd say "Screw school!" and flunk out with a smile. 

Many years have passed, and I still sometimes smile, 
Especially when kind people fill my cup. 
Both of them died---they were tragically killed,
While I wasn't talking to them awhile.
I now only hope for warm days and luck, 
'Cuz my heart still beats, 
Without any drum. 

Copyright © Michael Okoroike | Year Posted 2017

Details | Michael Okoroike Poem

Lemonade Stand

The thunderclouds rumble
And lightning’s flickering,
But all you've given me’s
A lemonade stand...

Who’s gonna buy?
Who’s outside,
And to torture me this way,
I’ve gotta ask why,
Why such a day,
Why such a life...

Copyright © Michael Okoroike | Year Posted 2017

Details | Michael Okoroike Poem

Tick Tock

Is it a tick 
Or do you hear tock? 
We've come together 
Around the clock 
And stuffed our mouths
With sticky socks, 
But do you hear tick 
Or do you hear tock?

Copyright © Michael Okoroike | Year Posted 2017




Book: Reflection on the Important Things