In A Cul- De- Sac Poem by Babatunde Aremu

I was well trained by my parents
To be decisive;
My first teacher taught me
Not to sit on the fence;
My Professor informed me
Not to stand aloof
But here I am
In a cul-de-sac

Many brides are offered to me
I am to pick the one
That will be in charge of our land
For the next four years
The more I gaze at these brides
The more I am confused
But I must take a decision

I am at a blind alley
These brides are adorning deceptive make-ups
Their attractive statures,
Smiles, looks and speeches
Are laden with facades
I must be very careful this time around
Because the consequences of my decision
Will make or mar generation yet unborn

All the brides claim to be virgins
They portray honesty and trustworthiness
They are promising to be faithful and loyal
Till death do us part
But I can see deep down
That honesty is their foe
These brides are building castles in the air
Their virginity claims are but a ruse
Their fidelity is puerile
Without crystal ball I can see pretense
Just to gain access to our palace
And assume lordship of our treasury
Then the hidden contours in them
Will be revealed
Their ugliness will become transparent.

I am in real cul-de-sac
My head is spinning
I am confused to chose a bride
I am haunted by past failed promises
I want a stable home this time around
If I don't pick
Others will pick for me
Whoever is picked
Will manage my home
For the next four years
My fingers must not be mistakenly burnt twice
I am apprehensive of where
The chosen bride Will lead us to
I am in real cul-de-sac!
What do I do now?