The girl child
I see carries
A plastic carrier-bag
With one or two bundles
Of affordable relish
Green rape.
I see her
Balance on her head
Six pieces of firewood,
Grip by the collar
A bottle of paraffin
For lighting and cooking
I see her
Carry her baby brother
On her small back
Mother has another baby
now
She throws and catches
Her rag ball
To catch up on play
As she runs errands
Mother cannot leave home
Father is not well.
The girl child
Washes clothes clean
Irons them neat
Cooks for the family
Cleans the house
Sweeps the compound
The boy child
Cannot be found
His play is far and wide
A woman of Africa
In the making
Yet certain un-African groups
Are quick to preach aloud
Abuse! Abuse! Abuse!
Abuse of words