Habitual Latecomer Poem by Tobi Oyesomi

'Better is it to be late
than to be the late'
not to be abused in a haste
as a reason to be late.

You have grown with this nasty habit
to which you have become an addict.
Everything you do, you do late
even when it has a closing date.

It's in your blood to tarry
nothing 'bout time gives you worry
even the day you will marry
you'll come late and say 'sorry'.

Your time to school I hate
not seven o'clock or eight;
a popular title you have won
Chief Latecomer, like no one.

You mostly miss morning assembly
your arrival at school is after
Maths, English and Chemistry
your comedy is beyond laughter.

Everywhere you go, you go late
for meeting, interview or serious date.
This case of African time
has done worse than world's worst crime.

Your lateness transcends into business
you record low sales, loss and regret.
Punctuality is the soul of a business
think well about this and redress.

Early to bed: early to rise
makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
The early bird catches the worm
be informed; and so not deformed.

Remember the motto of the Boy's Scout
'Be Prepared' as you go about.
Like the story of the Ten Virgins
where lateness created serious margin.

©Tobi Oyesomi
#DaXquizit™ Poetry