USA Africa Dialogue Series - Select Pay, Select Pay!

(Poem By: Chidi Anthony Opara)

 

The slogans sail

Above the bus stop bustle;

"December don dey come oo,

Fine fine shoe dem dey,

Fine fine sandal dem dey,

Fine fine cloth dem dey.

Select pay,

Select pay!"

 

"E no dey again

For five five thousand oo,

E no dey again

For three three thousand oo,

E no dey again

For two two thousand oo,

Select pay,

Select pay!"

 

"Now na five five hundred oo,

Three three hundred oo,

Two two hundred oo.

Select pay,

Select pay!"

Steps rhyme with slogans,

Wares litter walk ways,

Customers cluster.

 

Agents of the state

With weapons of coercion

Poised,

Hustle in the bustle,

Gathering graft.

 

More slogans sail

Above the bustle;

"Buy buy come buy oo,

Look look no look oo,

Thief thief no thief oo.

Select pay,

Select pay!"

 

Deft hands pocket payments,

Other deft hands

Pick pockets.

 

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