Survivor Poem by Uche Nwanze

I knew Suffering before I got the Offering
Poverty lived at my balcony until Plenty became my company
Hunger and I were next door neighbours until Wonder visited my vicinity
The only chorus I sang was Lamentation until Redemption song filled my lips
Was offered as a Libation until I found myself on Liberation avenue
Yesterday crumbs for breakfast, now I Feast at the banquet table
Sorrow taunt and haunt me, yet I vaunt of my hunt
Fear lived rent free in my heart until Fortitude broke me out of jail
Starvation laughed me to scorn, until Salvation took me in
Adversity made me a Fugitive but Prosperity granted me amnesty
Animosity pursued me like a predator until Affection gave me refuge
Was close to tears until Mother Luck smiled at me
In Squalor I sank until fate teleported me to a beauty Parlour
I shook hands with death, alas! the One with the key to Hades saved me with His blood
Was locked in the gulag by my insecurities until Confidence opened my eyes
Was on the cusp of expiration until He made expiation for my vices