My African Child~by Toris Okotie

So young in heart
He cried for milk
So poor and helpless
Mama weeps in pain

His eyes so red
A week he cried
A month ago,
To the world he came

Mama so young
Papa has run
Under the bridge
They lay their heads

In storm and rain
They search for food
Through man and sex
Mama fed him well

The days went by
Mama health decreased
Only five months old
Mama said good bye

In rain and cold
He cried so loud
In sun and heat
He wept and wept

Three days gone by
Since Mama left
And now he sleeps
To meet with Mama



This poem is one of my favorites because I love how concise it is. I am amazed by how few words it took the author to relay his tragic story so poignantly.

Stay tuned, more poetry is on the horizon :)


Lydia