In my favorite
Big and busy café
Attired in full black
A new cashier girl
When it comes
To beauty
And elegance
Infinitesimal piece
That doesn’t lack
Smote by grief
Stuck out from
The waitresses’ pack.
Overwhelmed by
A strangely
Overriding attraction
I started from afar
To express to her
A covert affection
Soon to develop
Romantic tension.
Sensing my crush on her
Slowly began she
To reciprocate
Expectant of a request
For a date.
Trying to fan
Love’s ember
I acquired her
Phone number
“I share your grief
I wish to do anything
That could lend you
A relief!”
“My sorrow is deep
I never forget
My deceased husband
Whenever I sit
Also nightlong
I weep.”
“If you are
In a position
About the cause
Of death
To speak
Why
The angel of death
Opted quick
Him to pick?”
“It was a tragic accident
Eager, while crossing
The road
Seeing me from afar
He was hit
And knocked down
By a reckless car.
By the tragic event
Not only was I
Striped off
My love star
On par a polestar
I also suffered
Mental trauma
My life that could mar.
Shunned by
His parents
A bad luck
Subject to a financial lack
On my poor parents
I have to fall back.”
“Is that why
You started this job
In black robe?”
“Besides working as
A bee juggling
Two jobs
I have to cover up
College
Distance education fee
While discussing we two
Further education status
He talked me into.”
“I must admit
With love
You have
Swept me
Off my feet
To turn your life sweet
Offer opportunities
To me a bit”
“From my first marriage
I came out
Without a child
How do you react
To a similar situation
If me you find?”
“For that reason
Our affection
We can’t abort
To adoption
We can resort.
As an aside
How come you decide
The problem
Was on your side?”
“Yes after medical exam
On adoption
We can decide.”
BY ALEM HAILU G/KRISTOS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2023
