To Cordelia Tanko Poem by Tobi Adebowale

Recall that blazing afternoon
When you and the sun boiled with rage
And for reasons I did not envisage
Our bond was severed that noon
And sadly I left for home
Waiting gloomily at the bus station
For the next bus going my way
I got a seat beside a fair madam
Who when I let out a cough
Showed much concern like you
Thanks sweetheart I remarked
It was you I had thoughts of
Her face rang an alarm
That told me what was amiss
And I offered apologies
Feeling irritated
As the bus erupted in laughter
I decided to get out
Cordelia I erroneously shouted
Trying to call the conductor
The laughter grew louder
Dubbed a clown by a lousy lout
While his friend talked of psychosis
I ignored the jeer
To the conductor pushed my fare
Waiting for the bus to halt
And immediately hopping out
Shouting Tanko
In place of thank you
Even forfeiting my change
I walked on
With their laughter
Ringing loudly in my head
And my blood boiling in the sun
Beloved Cordelia
Your outburst was at work
But I ‘m left to wonder
If that was a good job