Growing Up

Disturbed by the early crow of the cock

But in the light of the day came excitement

Waiting to play up the hill,

 And arrive with logs of wood

To convince mother of hard work

The rain slapping the roof made me excited

The slippery floor made me happy

But the painful reception with a whip spoiled my day

Oh! Those days make me nostalgic.

The trees were never too high to climb,

 Nor the rivers too deep to swim in

The animals could not rest because of our traps,

Our naked bodies could be seen rubbed in mud

 As we slide down the hills

Growing up,

No worries about poverty and education,

  Wealth and health

But worries about tomorrow’s playing plan

Growing up was the best experience of childhood

Even though every scene was accompanied with a cane.

By ELVIRA MONJOA MBUA MONDOA