Maybe Poem by ADEKEMI BANJO

If I can run a little faster
Faster than my legs could take me
Or even fly
If my wings
Could take me far away
Away from where I am

My legs feel heavy
The heaviness
My stomach slows me down
Filled with shepherd’s pie
Made and served by my nana
But now weighing me down for a good run

I heard the Whoosh of the strong wind
And felt the coldness on my cheeks
Coldness from the tears shed
Tears of how this could be the end
Cars swooshed by as I cross the roads
Hearkening not to the honking of horns from cars
In order to save my life

Maybe
I should have said no to the pie
Maybe
I will feel lighter to run faster for my dear life
Maybe
I should be sleeping on my bed now

With mum and dad
Watching TV in the living room
And my little sister
Sleeping next door

Maybe I could have said ‘no’ to Jamie
And no to the set
Maybe there wouldn’t be this war
And big shining blade
Held by Wayne chasing me

Maybe there are things to be changed
Changes in school
So that I need no protection from any clan
Changes at home
So that mum and dad would stay home often

Changes in my neighbourhood
So that I would not be judged by whom I am
Changes to the community
So that I can spend time doing what I want
Changes to the system
So that what is by the people
Can actually be for the people

Maybe things could change
When, I do not know
But right now, I need to run for it
JUST MAYBE I WILL MAKE IT