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.

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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.

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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.

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