Mama Uche bent over the boiling oil pan
Stirring finely moulded bean cakes,
Shining and glistening as if in appreciation
Of the attention it’s getting from the hot oil.
Each one of them a product of love,
Fresh onion sticking its little head out
As if trying to escape its confinement.
Fresh and bright pepper sticking close to-
this little onion as they cook.
The smile on her face as she sells,
Pride knowing the quality she serves.
One that has made her dominate that area for years
Calling each customer by name,
She is a part of their lives and they a part of hers.
Can a robot take a job like this?
Can the robot congratulate papa Ejima on the birth of his twins?
Can the robot with a stern look, teach 3-year-old Ike
To give and take with his right and not left hand?
Can a robot take a job like this?
Can a robot relate with the neighbourhood like mama Uche?
When a robot can do that, then it is ready to take our jobs.
This Poem was published in the July 2023 edition of the WSA magazine. Please click here to download.
Read – In the Language of Human-Crafted Citizens – A Poem by Zungu Bongani, South Africa
