I REMEMBER (BUT RECESSION HAS IT)

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I remember my mum said
She bought meat for 5 Naira
So I went to the market yesterday
To buy meat with 5 Naira

I remember walking home from school
With my friend one afternoon
We decided to share a gum
And so I paid with my coin
It was after all just a Naira

I remember the guest in the living room
Pleading not to be entertained
Yet I was still sent through the backdoor
To get a bottle of Coke at 25 Naira

I remember dad’s Volkswagen
Boldly sitting in the sun
It’s engine speaking volumes of its capacity
It only cost him 2000, not pounds but Naira

I remember loving grandma
Never asking for much
Contented with whatever was given
Yet happier than the rest of us

I remember my mum
Starving so we could eat
Sacrificial in giving
Yet fatter than the rest of us

I remember my aunty
Who never stops giving
Even to her last penny
Yet richer than the rest of us

I remember my brother
Little as he was
Not paid much attention
Yet smarter than the rest of us

I remember my little garden
With ripe tomatoes and peppers
Barricaded by scent leaf and bitter leaf
Waiting for my next meal

I remember my pregnant hen
Carrying within it, food for the next Christmas
Whilst preparing itself
To graze my table this Christmas

Yes I still remember
My good old Nokia
Sturdy and classic
Graceful and reliable
Never failing me

But those days are gone
And in its place, are days
Where such things as coke, cars
And even meats are luxuries

Now men don’t smile
The women don’t talk
And the children don’t sing
They all cry recession

And so I wondered
Is it the naira?
Is it loss?
Is it Buhari (the president)?
Is it us?

What is this recession?
That has taken our fathers from us
Kept our mothers awake and
Driven our children to the streets

So I asked, it is the reason I don’t have enough to eat?
Is it the reason I can’t have the gadgets I seek?
Is it the reason my fees are not paid?
Maybe it is the reason homes are breaking up