Time

I knew her first those early years,
Her rhythmic speech did hear;
The future stretched before my eyes,
Her warnings not too clear.

She waved at me a time or two-
Those youthful years weren't slack;
Busy with PC's, parties, chics,
I snubbed her- didn't wave back.

Her Beetle was beside my Benz
When those pedestrians crossed;
But running late for work that day,
I wished she would get lost.

For years she mailed a dozen clues
That she was running out;
Stocks and bonds filled my hoary head,
Investments round about.

Regret is in Time's gaze as now
I reach my lonely end.
Too late I see I've missed her point:
My God, my kin, my friends.

Copyright © 2004 Hannah Onoguwe

NYSC

Necessary evil,
Biannual summons,
Graduates of the nation
Teem in their legions.

Groaning muscles,
Morning exercise,
The inhumane military
Thought themselves wise.

Abnormal kits,
Deformed and shrunken,
Not fit for animals
Was the food given.

Bewildered corps members,
Baked, weathered faces.
From parade grounds
To dry, remote places.

“Government children”
Though many suffer,
The strength of Nigeria
Come, see and conquer.

Copyright © 2007 Hannah Onoguwe