Poem: Mama?

By Dr. Benjamin Y. Wehye

Mama, are you still Mama?

Did I substitute you for the ghetto?

Ganja Love and mama’s love, I had any choice?

If I chose to choose, I had only one.

If I choose to choose, is there a choice?

I am here bunking in cemeteries for another chance.

 

Mama, should you be called mama?

I’m here on the other side….

Far far away from the bed indoor

Gruesomely taken, gruesomely forgotten

Remembering how long I stayed within

I am here wondering in hades for mama’s justice?

 

Mama, was there even a mama?

Shortly there, shortly here

Fancied about getting there first

Quietly, quickly, and eagerly…? You reached me

Just months before sunrise, can’t come anymore

I’m here watching in abyss for your next prey

 

Mama, why are you called mama?

I did not allow him do it!

After boxing me with strength, power, money, grades and jobs

I threw in the tower

If you could do anything at all, you negotiating?

Hanging my head around, I am withering how I’m left out to dry

 

Mama tired, retired or frustrated?

How did I take your place so early?

Had you gone beyond….better

Smiling and clapping, you stretch your hands for my night’s exploits

Can we return to the days you farm for fame?

I am here now wrecking the THING my Mama gave me

 

Mama missing, dead or silent?

Have you not heard the news of stealing everywhere?

Home, school, church, government…..

Where is the pepper?

Ohh, I almost forgot, you give me the money to pass

I am here now wanting more ‘Ma’ to finish this thing

 

Mama. You are no longer mama!!!

Your breast is missing somewhere in your heart

The warms from your arms beholding, protecting, nourishing….

Is now replaced with violence, hate and envy for neighbors

With the ‘breast-milk-look’ no longer in my eye

I am here whipping those I call my brothers

 

Mama can still be Mama

If….

When finished

Don’t faint in prayer no more

Don’t spare the rod anymore

Just remember the greatest of all commandments….

About the Author

Dr. Benjamin Y. Wehye

Benjamin is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Education (Ph.D.). He is currently the President of the LICOSESS College of Education and President of the National Principal Association of Liberia and a winner of several National and international awards including

  • Africa Education Legend Award, 2022, School Growth International, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Doctor of Business Administration and Leadership, Swiss School Of Business and Management-2021 (Switzerland)
  • International Outstanding Leadership Award, Abuja, Nigeria
  • Associate of Business Management Professional, Unicarribean University College-2021
  • Educator of the Year 2019 ( Liberia Broadcasting System)
  • Outstanding Grass-root Educational Personality 2019 (Patriotic Consciousness Association of Liberia
  • Outstanding Education Administrator of the Year, 2016, Africa Watch Newspaper)
  • Meritorious Service Award, LICOSESS (2016) (Board of Trustees)
  • Administrator of the Year (2015, Progressive Alliance Movement of Liberia)
  • Salutatorian Honor (2013, University of Liberia)

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