Feb 14, 2008

KIBERA BY NIGHT by Mwangi Gituro

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The sun has gone to sleep

The moon stirred from slumber

The sons take their whip

And soon it will be plunder

Kibera is awake, it is night

*

The girls titivate to their best

Lipstick, mascara, manicure, perm

Their skills will be put to test

Skimpy, no concern to be warm

Kibera is awake, it is night

**

Ruffians sharpen their tools

A few souls will feed ‘em tonight

Crisscross the slum, all looks but cool

Peripatetic, fear they ignite

Kibera is awake, it is night

***

Atieno locks her shanty hastily

Walks to the dump site, not her first trip

She could have been a mama basically

Plastic bag in hand, an indecent burial

Kibera is awake, it is night

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Kariuki has jus’ finished business

Polythene in hand with human matter

Hurls it far with all seriousness

Will cause foul smell after scatter

Kibera is awake, it is night

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Police make their usual patrol

Harassing everyone but thugs

Outlaws have taken control

Facilitating the sale of drugs

Kibera is awake, it is night

Mwangi Gituro©

*****

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