Elegiac Verses Poem by Alexander Onoja

Was 12 when mom left,
when i say left, i meant she died.
To death's ignorance or theft,
was even surpris'd HE cried.

HE? Yes! don't wanna call him dad,
oft'n got wipes from his unforgiving cane,
oft'n wakes me up with mighty blows,
was left with a swollen eye and broken nose.
With me lone feel'n of the pain.
with no conscience, he was oft'n glad.

After school, out on the street i roam,
but scared that the others might sense me shame,
cos i don't want their pathetic pity,
as they try to look witty,
even though they'd done the same.
Was scared to meet the drunkard at home.

Sometimes i wait till the day remove its gown,
then i hurl'd me-self against me hidden foe.
But still me he waits in a drunkun sleep.
With one stare, i began to weep,
cos i know to him a beat'n i owe,
as he stood up boring a frown.

I couldn't seem to sleep that night,
as i sat with lots of tears i shed.
Alone i pray'd to survive,
them mom appear'd, i thought she was alive.
But on a second thought, i knew she was dead,
as thick vapour snatch'd her from me sight.

Dwell'n still on mom's appearance,
when i felt a mighty weight on me.
With a smug grin on the drunk's face,
his cheecks were wrinkl'd into fine lace.
With his ever ready wipe staring at me,
as me tears cry out for vengeance.

I lash'd out at the drunk with me fist,
me fears turn'n into bravery and wisdom.
I frown'd and spat on the life-less beast,
suddenly a voice within me cried out freedom