Stages Of Life. Poem by IFEOLUWA POPOOLA

Once, I was in a womb,
Naive and depending on Ma,
Throwing kicks at will,
Demanding for meals at odd hours.

Once, I was a babe,
Giving Ma tough time,
Forcing her to hold impromptu vigils,
And not giving a damn!

Once, I was a kid,
Roaming the streets with undies,
Happily running in the rain,
Sustaining various wounds.

Once, I was a youth,
Landing in one trouble to another,
Getting frequent lashes,
Getting numerous rebukes.

Once, I was an adult,
Free from control,
Able to do things my way,
Old enough to settle my bills.

Once, I was a mother!
Keeping a tiny being in my womb,
Throwing frequent kicks,
Demanding for meals without worry.

Once, I was a supermom,
Doing Groceries and laundry,
Preparing meals kids,
Sending kids to school on time.

Once, I was a grandma,
Caring for my grandkids,
While awaiting death,
Living my best life,
Cause it's all that matters.

Once, I was an old woman,
Weak and fragile,
Staring death in the eyes,
With my children and grandchildren,
Holding my hands and weeping,
While I breathed my last.

Now, I am in the grave. Alone.
Without friends nor family,
Waiting for the little creatures,
To devour.