Casks Of Our Life Poem by Chukuemeka Akpe

I.

Dawn to Dusk
they chase after buses
reminiscent of Olympians.
Success then rewarded with platforms
on dilapidated contraptions trammeled by cargo.

Distinguished Citizens
breeze through roads choc-a-block
with a throng eager to resume daily chores.
A confetti of glass shards spread for the VIPs
as motorists struggle to lay red carpet on asphalt.

II.

Ill-tempered friends
exhibiting obsolete Kalashnikovs
collared by a bizarre assortment of strands
camp along highways and byways of the community.

They rankle
wayfarers with myriad inanities,
cajoling to augment strangled lifestyles
with cupped hands – intransigence oft met with salvos.

III.

Silhouettes
float out like wraiths
sending dreadful palpitations
resounding far into the still night.

Importunate vultures
perch on hapless victims.
They scavenge with diabolical glee
distributing anguish and sorrow all the way.