By Juliet Adeniran
Blame It On The Youth?
Marriages are failing terribly,
Blame it on the youth?
Martial wars and battles rage,
Blame it on the youth?
Pregnancy becomes a common thing;
Abortion is the talk of the town,
Why do you blame it on the youth?
Unwanted children are hungry,
Blame it on the youth?
No empty slot for employment,
Blame it on the youth?
Strike is a daily mantra;
Parents, guardians and elders are tired,
And you blame it on the youth?
Killings everywhere and around us,
Blame it on the youth?
Rustication, abomination, execution,
Blame it on the youth?
The society is in a state of unrest;
Noise, pollution, and enmity everywhere,
Why do you blame it on the youth?
Nowadays things are going fast,
Blame it on the youth?
Getting rich and stronger are desired,
Blame it on the youth?
Things are out of control;
Truth is evanescing, taking peace along…
Blame it on the youth?
We’re monumental in society.
Why should we take the blame for all?
A lot had happened before we came,
And more will happen…
Should you place blame solely on the youth?
Into the Future
Future,
A trip for the ready and powerful ones,
For there, the unknown is faced,
And many shaking feet will stumble away.
From where I stood, I took a peep…
On tiptoe, I moved along the way to behold,
My hands grabbing the edge of the boundary.
I only sought to see and not to be there,
For time was just not yet ready for me…
Only did I want to see into the future from where I stood.
The future looked so beautiful from afar;
The cool breeze blew across my face, tousling my damp hair;
The intense brightness almost blinded my still-sensitive eyes.
I looked and marvelled at the sight;
My body almost moved in, but I felt a pull from within—
It wasn’t just yet time for me.
Many had gone before their time but were tossed back
For they were unprepared for what the future held.
I’d only look from here and await the future.
When I Cross the Bridge
It will be the cool of the day.
The traders will have come back from their stalls,
Farmers will be at their regular joint for the daily glass…
Children will be ready for their tale time.
I will have hung my favourite hat-
On the bar, at the door’s back.
Yes! The fiery red stained hat of furs
That draws flies in their wake.
Earlier that day, I had kissed my lady—
A sweet whisper imbued with love.
I’d combed through her grey hairs that framed her face,
A promise to become what she gazed at above.
With a clear mind and a satisfied smile,
I will move forward…
As I journey through,
For when I cross the bridge,
I cherish the prospect of a brighter life ahead.
—Photo by Larisa-K via Pixabay