I remember when she used to tuck us in

She smelled like roses on a bright morning

Like a king’s new bride

Her stories were as fresh

Her smile so affectionate

Everything was simply perfect

Until it suddenly wasn’t

She smelled of money perfumes

Of oil and water, of emotional torture.

She wasn’t the same.

She scarcely smiled now, but when she did, it wasn’t contagious

Even he couldn’t explain why

The light of the home had dried up like a cursed lake.

Exotic beasts that will leave their lives to follow

Even when the path is dim and the pay hollow

He said, everyone wants a people

They think they have the right to own slaves

Exotic beasts that will leave their lives to follow

Even when the path is dim and the pay hollow

_Winniefred F Gbemuotor