I Saw Her Poem by Job Ombati

I saw her.
Young and straight.
Sent to the shop.
And straight back.
Young and innocent.
Strict.
And with a supple waist.

I saw boys start to notice her.
They turned with a smile for her.
She turned away.
Shy.

I saw her start to take the notice.
She started to laugh back.
She spoke to them.
Briefly.
And allowed her hand to be held slightly.
Shy was she.
Uneasy.

I saw her take a temerity.
Stand long in the street.
And no longer under the cloak of street lamps.
Bold.

I saw her hold hands.
Of not boys; but men
Back she smiled.
And long she held.
I sighed!

I saw her develop a craving.
I saw her chew street stones.
And stand long by the 'mutura'.
Rigid.
As the appendage grew.

I saw her beauty thin.
Her smile grow taut.
Her springy steps turn heavy.
Old.
And her sweet scent turn earthy.

Poems for Humanity