I AM A CHILD

Like a reed never broken I roam the streets daily

Irrespective of the harms and ills I still remain to ensure all I have is sold

I fall most times into the hands of robbers on Jericho's Highway

I go out and sometimes, never return

Reckless drivers terminates my destiny on the way

Alas! This makes the graveyard far richer than the oilfields of Kuwait or the goldmines of South Africa

Oh! I am a stepchild. My grief is increased

I barely eat and I'm famished daily

Working mightily as an elephant and feeding as an ant

I look at the good schools, clothes &possessions of my half siblings

In my torn clothes and sleepless night, I shed tears

I am branded a witch and casted out

I cried and my voice is not heard

O! How I miss my parents

Oh! What a child I am

In the midst of the confusion, I am a girl child hawking on the street

Elders who are supposed to give me advice & support, pester me with sexual motive

Behold! Great wolves in sheep clothing

Far up in Northern Nigeria, I am married out too young

I can't imagine marrying my dads age mate

Where did my helpers go?

Indeed I need a Savior. Who will rescue me?

I need quality education

I need good healthcare

I need psychosocial support

I need protection as a child

I'm a human and my rights should be accorded me

I need an enabling environment to thrive

I know my Saviours are not far away

Most of them just need support to reach me at the #LastMile

Support those who're championing and advocating for me

Support volunteers who're sacrificing for my sake

I will surely succeed, thrive and see the end of this

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

#SerialVolunteer

#PublicHealthProfessional