A Poem: Basket Pocket

 By Emmanuel Adindu

His frustration tolls louder than the

Ogene piercing the mute night.

His revving engine crows like the 

Cock in the sleepy season of moon - 

The alarm of the neighbourhood.

At the climax of night's rest

He rides on the bumpy stark road 

Creating the sun of the night with 

His headlights - the day's job

Warming up behind the wheel

The sun bathe his car in its hostile rays

His sweat endless in the oven hot danfo

Buttocks caked like an aired Milo

Stuck on the seat deprived of comfort 

Aching his aging waist.

In this abysmal condition of work 

His earnings pilfered by government's

Approved criminals: Incessant 'Owo das?'

His basket pocket never holds water

The bribe lords: the spaces in-between.

Upon nightfall, his face remolded

By the hammer of Ogun -

Furious like that of Sango

And the wife receives lightening blows 

As payment for his naked pocket

                                                 

Emmanuel Adindu is a poet, essayist,  and short story writer. He is a graduate of English and Literary Studies, Delta State University, Abraka, who has written a number of poems, short stories, and essays.