Ma don't tell what do
Ma put hands in fire
Ma feel if it burns or not
Ma don't tell what do
Ma put feet to sea
Ma see if I be drown
Ma don't tell what gulp
Ma put tongue to spoil
Ma know if lung shall burst
Ma don't tell what do
Ma put body to hers
Ma bear if prone disease
Ma don't tell what do
Ma toy eye with knife
Ma cross if pierce did
Ma don't tell dream to see
Ma choose whatever want be
Ma fondle be bad or poor
Ma don't say be calm
Ma put emotions to act
Ma scared not bruise of anger
Ma don't tell where walk
Ma decide path I tread
Ma know if immune to traps
Ma don't take to God
Ma belief in only seen
Ma face what hell promised
Ma don't tell what wear
Ma choose nude or rags
Ma hug cold if come
Ma don't tell where stay
Ma choose walk away
Ma see world out contain
Ma wish obey word yours
Ma seek go through sever gain
Ma will sole birth discomfort
Ma tell you what to do
Ma young listener obey for
Ma seen world you never been
Adeosun Olamide
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/chant-of-a-contrite-vagrant/
