A celebration
He said
I am the only love
but there are five
of us
in the huthe brought one cow
for the dowry
and I learnt later
it was stolen
from his inlaws
the promise to provide
and care
is evident in my stringy neck
and haunted eyes
as am chased by
Government officials
for street hawkingLate at night
I fence off
his groping paws
on my bruised and tired limbsTonight he says
we must celebrate
his sixth bride
am looking forward
to my release
as I serve him
a kegful of palm wine
laced with the finest arsenic.