"Earning a Dying" - by Ojuade Lukman

‘Whenceafter’, I wrote to the whole world,

at last I secured a nine to five.
Sir Paul, consider my case and
tell heavens to redefine dignity of labour,

Look at, my lord is in sight
and I must thrill this whole hector.
yes, before his arrival.
Lest he drive me out of his site.

My lord takes pride in being my debtor.
He gracefully withholds my monthly reward.
He became an earthly rainmaker.
Pours on me my pay only when I'm in drought.

My lord, is this really an holiday?
What is it with holiday thrilling?
Shall this serf ever go on a break?
Mayhap, retirement is my finish line.

‘Hugk hugk’-this cough I’ve got is nasty.
But, no leave until the break of my spine.
Oh! I labour aiming to earn a living.
Verily, verily, reverse is the case.

Foot note: I dedicate this to all who labours on a low paying job; who endures continuing delay of salary.

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