Strong Out Poem by Toyo Esuola

The holes he tries to fill are many
as the sand comes in grains.

The cry for help is deafening
but the ears are used to the pains.

Tears roll out gently but the eyes stay dry,
with hardship all spelt out on the sweaty forehead.

The spirit is gradually slipping away
as the physical becomes a zombie instead.

He once heard promises of gold and silver
but all he wants is a regular supply of wood,

which he will try to polish daily as he hopes
will eventually turn to daily source of food.

Yet as he makes miracles from nothing,
the vultures at night all swoop in;

claiming the only bread that’s buttered!
What’s left but to live a life of sin.