WHEN I GROW UP

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Now I don’t know what to think, but some day it will all be in ink.

I look without seeing, am I even a human being.

To me, everything exists without meaning.

My language is a cry, but I only calm myself with a smile.

Today I take milk, but tomorrow I will break bones.

Now am wrapped in silk, but soon I will wear clothes.

Hmm! They leave me in pampers, am now among toddlers.

Both the young and old handle me. Love and admiration are all I can see.

Sometimes how hurtful it can be, especially when bathed by the geriatric.

I have no option than to accept their plea. In fact a little smile does the trick.

I am now a boy but frankly, am coy.

I can’t even cook but I can eat yolk.

Where is all the tenderness, where is all the care?

How come all this harshness, why all these snare?

My ideas are not significant, as tiny as an ant.

All my vocals create fun, commonly ignored with laughter.

I hate this pan; maybe, I should sound louder.

But my cry is an unnoticed plea

When shall I be free, I wish I could flee.

Will I ever be like Dad, so big and tall?

He calls my mum ‘baby’ even though she isn’t small.

I wish to become a bank manger

To put my family’s poverty in danger

Even if I don’t, I will do something better.

I could be a poet or even a trader

May I become a pastor, and save sinners from hell.

I want to be a billionaire and marry a beautiful damsel.

When I will grow up, I really cannot tell