Single Mum Poem by segun Johnson Ozique

Her only son, like a star I shone as I attended her farewell to new life,
But truly, I was gloomy, wishing to be anywhere but there.
I danced, mingling heartily and smiling pretty, my spirit visibly on high,
But actually, wished I could slap freeze all faces that smiled back at me.

Then we gathered around him to sing the ‘jolly good fellow’ song,
When undoubtedly, my heart screamed, he does not deserve her.
To his side we all gathered, smiling gloriously to photo flash clicks,
When secretly, I wished he be struck down by lightening.

Pompously, he shook my hand, thumping, hugging and back-slapping,
I responded as best, smiling heartily like Macbeth to his crown.
All my words were of my pride, best wishes and of happy life,
When honestly, they were expressions armed with dagger to pierce his heart.

And she walked up to him, now his wife; hugging, smooching, frolicking openly,
Sweat ran down my sides; my eyes popped; for she was for God’s sake my mum!
The one, all years since childhood, I adorned with jealous, frenzied, fretful love,
The one I wish could remain being my tender; the one no man was fit to marry.