They put on a grand show
Of cleaning the house
Whenever the boss lady
Is around
They put on a grand show
Of taking one meat
From the pot of soup
When mother is around
They put on a grand show
Of writing their exams themselves
Whenever that lecturer
Is around
They put on a grand show
Of coming to work early
And being productive
When the manager is around
But when the boss lady,
The mother, the lecturer and the manager
Turn their backs
Or stop looking
They live like pigs
Steal from the pot
Exchange answer booklets
And gossip in the office
And when they get older
We push them forward
And give them a mantle
Chanting
‘Lead us oh wise one!
Lead us to the promise land’
After all
The faux chores
Meal contentedness
Studious nature
And productive contribution to work
Have nothing to do
With how the leader leads
Ramatu Ada Ochekliye
23.04.2017
Image: Adam Woodrey
