*if I Lose Everything Poem by Benjamin Paa Willie

If I lose everything, my love, my dear
If I lose everything by which I am here
If the songs I write remain unsung
And the canvas I paint is left in the dung

If I lose everything by which I am here
Will you shame my name or still be near?
If I fall out of this race not from wear and tear
But for being rusty and unsettled with fear
Will you be the same and still be near?

Will you collect the blank papers and fill my ink jar
Or will you fly away on another wing and watch from far?
If I fail this test or the military succeed in their coup
Will you be faithful? Will I with another man eat my soup?

My dear I am here unsung and left in the dung
I know you are gone but will you shed a tear?