The Contest Poem by Wensislaus Mbirimi

Prologue

Sitting by the park bench
Impervious to the stench
Wafting from across the street
A blocked sewer responsible for this treat
A contest was on inside my head
One that would shape my future ahead

Main Act

A butterfly flew in timid and shy
Conquered, alas then relaxed
Attracted by bright flowers elsewhere
Would you blame me?
For my hand moved, squashed it lifeless

An ant queen blurred my vision
In her anthill industrious
Breeding, helping maintain the species
Industrious even before I became aware
She did it once and why not again
Too I'm afraid she bites

Midst of the garden stands a black rose
Fine scent, bright and attractive
Reached to touch got prickled
I won't lose interest I hope
Definite choice says my voice

Then there is the black cat
By the fireside purring over a bowl of milk
Together from way back
A home can easily prop
And tend its crop
Still I do hesitate
Is it the looks?

I'm reminded of the dove
Doves two by two soul mates for life
One dove lured for wife
Now to tame the wild spirit
Who to stop its carefree sky soaring
Hush: I hear it calling

Dream of the sea, dream of the mermaid
Exquisitely beautiful to be real
Mermaid for you any would kill
Caught your eye at last
But would I be the last
I'm thinking fast
Yes you I would never trust

I'm roused my puppy licks my face
Nibbling feet and all
Will come if I call
Chasing all has had its toll
Two years hence will turn into a fine specimen
If still solo will definitely chain me to you

EPILOGUE

The stench is no more
Overpowered by Rose the Choice
The puppy makes sure
Licks the sewer dry even the manure