PAIN AND LOSS
With heavy heart, I shook uncontrollably
Guilt pierced my heart
For I know that I am the reason
Why you've gone so soon
Why did I let the devil come between us?
Why did I cheat on you?
Why did I treat you like a rag?
After all, we took a vow on the altar.
You tried to keep our home,
But I kept it open.
What didn't you have that I sought for in another woman?
I hated you for no reason.
Late at night, I'd arrive home,
Reject your food,
Beat you up
And call you names.
• * * *
I love you I told myself,
It should be enough, but it wasn't.
My body bore your imprints,
My spirit died with each word.
Once I was pregnant,
Your fury pounded the baby out of me.
We needed a child, I thought
To lessen the friction, so I thought.
On that fateful day,
My heart in my hands,
Hope in my eyes,
I shared my good news.
Lo and behold,
You were sheathed in the body of another,
You told me to wait till you were done.
That was the day you killed me.
©Victor Apata
©Victoria Ukpaka
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