Jude Chukwuemeka Muoneke

PAINFUL SLEEP

Ngozi the mother of seven, 
 God, why take her to heaven?
 On the labour pain, you called her to glory
 Zaply the news of her deep-sleep 
 traveled in hurry, 
 In pains and sorrow her kinsmen feast.

 Muoneke\'s kiths and Kin mourns in feast
 United only when bereaved, with empathy
 Open mockery mouths in sympathy, 
 No mother, it hurts to see you sleep in 
 your prime
 Elated our friendly foes are, over time,
 Keeping the hurts of your absence isn\'t 
 easy
 Enduring the fate we found ourselves 
 sound easy.