Aunty… I have grown
Aunty, I have done the dishes.
I have cleaned the backyard.
I have hawked with my skinny legs under the hot sun.
My head has gone bald with the frequent tray of akara on my improper body.
.
Aunty, you promised mama I would go to school.
You presented a ripe mango, full of maggots.
Yes, I am in school.
Where I am corrected by uncle’s rod of correction.
Every class, I am told to hold the table tight.
Until I have received lashes of the fat rod.
.
Of course, I am in school.
My first day in school,
Then, I learnt pain, sadness and affliction.
Then, my naivety and innocence were exploited for pleasure.
.
No doubt, I am in school.
Where I am taught the formula mama used to beget me.
I am taught all about the reproductive system.
I am now grown.
.
I have learnt to saddle my pain in silence.
Aunty, you took me to school…
But not the one you promised mama…
I have learnt, and I have grown.
.