On that day

Mother was pounding cassava 

She felt at bay

The policemen she mistook for attackers 

'We are looking for your daughter'

They chorused

She bursts into laughter 

As she called Rose

But she was long gone

After a long run

Of debts she failed to pay 

Of the troubles she refused to keep at bay

'It is more than a million naira ma'am'

Transfixed, she lost her calm 

Rising like Bitcoin, her blood pressure 

She couldn't handle the pressure

'If I die, Rose is my killer'

'From the scratch, I was her pillar'

'Will she pay back? When?'

Rumour has it she duped some men

But Rose is unperturbed by this

As she wants to be like Gladys 

The 'big baller' from city

The epitome of beauty

She wants the hoodies 

The oversized trousers and the goodies 

The officers are long gone

Mom's health is all wrong

Well, she's dead now

I hope Rose is happy now

    BY EMMANUEL SHADRACH