Murder of Haneefah: Who Is Safe? By Tijani Taofeek B

WHO IS SAFE?

The hurt and hatred in us
Like tantase in the sea,
We asked,
How did we get here?

The wile and guile in humanity
Like an umbrella in the ocean
We asked
What is the need?

The whine and pretentious love
Like the roses in pepper soup
We asked
Why must we be stupid?

Years and years of guerillas precariousness
Like a fermented sombo (hot pepper) powder
Gifted to the bride for a makeover
How insensible shall we continue?

Will-o’-the-wisp
For the love and light has lost their shine
Humanity fading like unsaturated smoke
Along the path of dereliction

I weep for the day a baby was born
The day she knows not her death.
If the debt of birth is death
Shall it not be for a good cause?

Who are we to query the agent of death
Perhaps it sticks around awaiting our head
But if truth has a cudgel
Why the wicked still rest needs an explanation

I cry for my insecurity
As my safety scares me
If our guardian becomes our guerrillas
Who then is safe?

©Tijani Taofeek B.
22/01/2022 06:40.12am

(Dedicated to Haneefah! Decrying the level at which humanity as gone sour… We love baby Haneefah! May Allah grant her family the fortitude to bear the loss. We hope we shall see the end of insecurity in this nation some days)