WHAT THE NIGHT MEN DO

(For Kingsley Ngange)

By Tikum Mbah Azonga

Enemies at work
That’s what it’s all about
It doesn’t matter if you think otherwise
I know what I’m on about
Otherwise, why would I sneeze so many times?
And all the time
Worse still, in the exam room?
I even shed one or two tears like Peter Grimes.

My friend, I tell you: Enemies at work
That’s why once in, I could no longer bray
Those of us who think we’re wise
Sentence me with another bout
With nothing else for a drink but sour limes
Even so, I’d rather mime
Because right here, right now no one brandishes a broom
But then, don’t you accuse me of war crimes.

Copyright 2010