That Nigerian Girl

I knew her story before it was told I saw her Bouncing up and down, itching to play A beautiful little girl Tugging and pulling 'Let me out' she says Full of energy no one could contain. I saw her She rushed past Beautiful young lady I couldn't believe she grew so fast Yet another interview She had to get a yes this time. I saw her How could I not recognize that smile Beautiful woman Haggling with the plantain seller Carrying her little girl on her back Whispering 'everything is going to be okay' I was too caught up...I didn't see Everything happened in a blur I didn't see her fears and confusion Or get a whiff of the tension Didn't hear the abusive words I am most sorry I should have looked more closely What happened to all that energy...bouncy little girl? Beyond her perfect smile I didn't see the tear stained cheeks Covered carefully with layers of powder Or the finger prints...covered perfectly with her hair. I s...

I sit and think Long sad painful thoughts I wonder how long before it's all over The pain, hurt and suffering The lies, cheating and deceit They say life is a journey Of ups and downs How many more downs before an up? Does our journey ever end? The tears seem to flow forever They say everything comes to an end Happiness, Joy and laughter Please don't end You give me hope That... Pain, hurt and suffering would end Or would it? At least my life would end At the end of my life Is the end of it all I have no fear for the end Because in the end It all ends...