The Porter Poem by Poetezz Nana Ama

The Potter
Dirty and unkempt,
she carries her basin
Waiting for customers
to call out to her.
Her feet bare
she walks hurriedly through the market
looking pale and frail
thin and slim
yet, an iota of strength has she
to carry her customer's wares.
A pale-looking boy like she
her baby, to be precise
sleeps at her back.
Wrapped with filthy clothes
with no education.
He wakes up periodically
to say 'Maa, Maa, am hungry'.
She pays no attention
pats him on the butt
a sign to say 'Shut up'
moves steadily ahead
no time for babies.
She suddenly comes across
someone with her wares.
quickly loads her big basin
walks a long distance
receiving only a dime as wage.
She smiles happily
Alas! There's something to feed on
She mumbles a thank
and speeds off to wait for another.
Night falls
her dilemma has began
no where to lay her head.
Lies on cardboards with her baby
in a deserted space of a shop
till daybreak.
She has to cope
with the dangerous bites of mosquitoes.
she hardly sleeps, I can say
'cause all night she spends
driving away those hungry and blood-thirsty
devils.
Morning comes
ready to face another bustling day
in order to survive with her child.
She is the lady we know
with no education or ego.
She is the potter
The Kayaye.