No more, I quit playing around with kids!
Beyond adolescence, now I’ve adult duties,
At twenty, I’m already a seasoned warrior.
Awhile, been watching the girl next door,
With a longing eye, she’s invading beauty,
That permeates my chest, twists my interior,
With fear and thrill, whether she’s far or nigh.
Even at night, I construct dreams about her,
While, come morn, I pretend to be sane.
Wondering why the elders are so assured,
And where they get their wisdom from?
Currently a layman, when will I be initiated?
And be invited to the council of statesmen,
To mingle under the sacred Baobab tree?
At five, I start to remember my existence,
The compound and all its surroundings.
Under the backdrop of a stunning landscape,
Of rocky hills, farmland and cerulean lakes.
The hopeful dawn and golden twilight,
As we head goats near the communal holding.
Wondering why the days were never longer,
And when will I grow old enough?
To look after the cattle, far away from home,
And join the youths in chasing girls around?
To stomp no-go areas across deadly woods,
And accompany my cousins to school.