Working Late Poem by Job Ombati

I worked late again.
Had to squeeze dry this coin
and push my love's patience.

I closed the book,
laid the pen beside the book,
and my uniform and baton
in a neat pile.

In one swift move,
I left my cage
and the huge gates.
My mind focused on home.

I will pass by my Rwandese friend—
his roasted nuts are best.
I'll buy 'smocha' for 'mum',
a pack of fries for little Joe,
and a quarter of innards for us.
Jose, the butcher, wraps them in an old newspaper.

Tomorrow is Friday,
and Labour Day.
I'll sleep the three days,
I'll read the obituaries on my newspaper wrapper,
and watch TV;
possibly... possibly,
there will be a pay rise
next month.

Poems for Humanity
Tuesday,31 March 2026: 8: 00 pm - Nairobi```
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Glossary
1. Smocha - a cheap popular street snack sold on Kenyan city streets that has smokie rolled in chapati. It is very popular with teens.