OnlineBookClub.org

I cannot go down stairs,
Because I still have not paid for the pears,
That I took from the grocery shop,
So I will just chill indoors and watch movies non-stop.

I cannot call nor text John,
Because I still have not paid my Okoa loan,
Now he thinks I am ignoring him,
Because of the two thousand shillings that I owe him.

I cannot pass by Mama Akinyi’s Cereals store,
Because I still have not paid her what I owe,
She has been sending me bills,
After I took from her some green grams and beans.

I cannot have a peaceful sleep,
Knowing I have not given the landlord a bank-in slip,
How can I possibly have peace,
While everyday he threatens me with eviction notice?

Micro-finance institutions turn down my loan application form,
Because my name being listed on CRB has become the norm,
I even fear going near the altar,
Because I am a serial tithe defaulter.

I cannot borrow money from friends and family,
Because I have not paid the previous ones they lent me,
“WE OFFER LOAN ON ELECTRONIC ITEM,”
Oh how I wish I hadn’t sold my home-theatre system.

I love the originality in this poem.
Such a strong voice.
I feel as if it is just touching on the surface though
Perhaps more imagery is needed I wanted to see the speaker and feel as they feel in the lines.

This poem is different than ones I have read before. There is a fun scheme to it, but at the same time the theme of money being the issue.