LET ME BE

There she goes
the childless one
with none to run her errands

There she goes
the unmarried one
leaning...but no pillar

There she goes
the promiscuous one
the barren husband-snatcher

There she goes
the one without a trade
without wares

There she goes
the homeless one
who resides at roadsides

I've heard it all
I've known it all.
I am the chewing stick
in every mouth of the clan.
Wherever I turn
I meet their leering looks,
I catch their gossiping stares:
My lack of child, my ways with men
My lack of pillar, my lack of man
My lack of roof, my nights in the open.

Here, the latest on me:
Wives would not warm their hearths
because I seize their men.
Go, warm your hearths, wives;
in safety will we return,
early in the morning,
your men and I.

And whatever else is left unsaid,
fellow children of Esuk-Oro,
go ahead and say it;
if my tongue runs dry of words,
I'll let you be
and go my way in peace.

I am the chewing stick
in every mouth of my clan
but, Oh, let me be.

P.S: Esuk-Oro is a clan in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Truly yours,
@samueloption