I Made A Loss Poem by Job Ombati

I have loved for nothing.
Visited markets and bought basketfuls of food,
for a stubborn heart.
Lengths and lengths of cloth,
unfurled into a pit latrine.

I have scaled mountains,
for love's sake.
Dived into fjords,
for love's rare wink.
At end my heart was a mat for her door,
a public square for the pigeon's poop.

I have loved for nothing.
Sang songs day long
invoked her heart,
said so to her.
A wink, at best,
a passing glance,
effort not good enough
for my songs,
copied, crammed,
sung.
But a heart they missed.

I have loved for nothing.
Crossed oceans,
to bring her love;
flower soft,
on wrinkly winky eyes
and moistened lips.
But hers was hewn off a mean cliff face.

For her I have dared birds.
high I flew
high and deep
the pillowy clouds I parted.
First they were appalled,
then impressed
and then,
a swift and messy tumble.

I have loved for nothing,
softened my eyes,
winked all day,
shaped my lips for a kiss,
but only her love to miss.
Widened my hands,
for an illusionary embrace.

I have loved for nothing!

Poems for Humanity