ÀBÍKẸ́'s Choice

"One leg in hospital bed, 

& another in hell — 

Hours of nightmares and dreams."

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The evening basks very gently,

In the luminous light of the starry sky.

Àbíkẹ́'s mind wades rather briefly,

Probing for sudden clarity — 

Is this how women dies?

While embracing mysterious pains with pride,

Endurance with gritted teeth, 

& silent screams,

Till they get to the verge of death so wide, 

One leg in hospital bed, 

& another in hell — 

Hours of nightmares and dreams.

Nine months ago she waved her options,

This moment could have been avoided, 

With Baba's herbs that destroy, 

Which may lead a quicker road to her grave.

But the shame & horrors of unpunished killer —

Àbíkẹ́'s body won't alloy. 

To abort a baby or birth one to life;

Two harrowing decisions in a woman's life.

©Ayomide Lawal

Ayomide Lawal is a Nigerian writer, poet and a linguist to be. 

She's a poet for Arkorewrites, and some of her works has been published in Elegance Dreamers Anthology. 

You can connect with her on WhatsApp 08104680447.

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