KID FROM LAGOS
MAYOWA KOLEOSHO
COPYRIGHT 2012 BY MAYOWA KOLEOSHO
SMASHWORDS EDITION
I was born and raised on the dust filled roads of Lagos City
Moluwe and Danfo horns my everyday wake-up call
The city that never sleeps, Lagos apologizes to no one
Watch your step lest you fall by the roadside
For the restless spirit of Lagos dances tonight
They say if you dance to her tune, she will treat you right
But many have failed at this, empty hopes, empty dreams
Surulere, my heart calls to you
I miss your lively streets, the boisterous crowds
She speaks so softly, but commands so much attention
Ogunsanya the former haunts, vibrant and always full of vigor
Bode Thomas the abode, I picture you ever so vividly
But time waits for no man, and Lagos has moved on without me
The Kid from Lagos can only dream about his favorite city….
I thought if I paid my tithes, God will set me right
I prayed with all my might, Lord please help me out of this plight
Same story every day, grounded bird trying to take flight
I see my future clearly; they tell me to readjust my sight
Tunnel vision, I only want to see the light
Shadow boxing with myself, who wins this fight?
Insecurities rising, battling doubts with all my might
They question my faith, are you praying right?
But fate keeps telling me all you have to do is make it through the night
Because when morning comes, everything will be alright”
HE WANTS
He wants to understand
He wants to be loved
He wants to love
He wants to be supported
He wants to support
He wants to be pampered
He wants to pamper
He wants to be inspired
He wants to inspire
He wants to rise
He wants to motivate
He wants to succeed
He wants to learn
He wants comfort
He wants to be happy
He wants to make them proud
He wants to grow
He wants so much, yet he wonders if he can get it all.
How do I help with only words, what do I say?
What do I do to comfort someone who just lost it all?
Father and mother gone, an overnight orphan
What do I tell the mother who lost her child?
How do I tell her it will be okay?
What do I tell the man whose every possession is gone?
Lost to the quake, penniless, his pride the only thing he has left
What can I give the people of Haiti to take away their pain?
I sit here helpless, thankful for my blessings
If words could heal, I send this their way
If thoughts could build, I direct mine to construct and rebuild what was lost
I know not your plight, but I sit here in fright, watching the horrors you face, praying with all my might
That better times return, hope prevails, Haiti rises again
Stand tall Haiti, raise your head
Better times lie ahead, for this I pray.
A reservoir of emotions
No one will truly understand because I will never release them all