Who says I fear change the only constant?
Or the void of life after
Or pain with its cry for death from insanity of health?

Why question sanity in bravity
But ponder for cowardice?
For many would in my situation run to suicide-but
I, a coward, dared not.
-Collins Alilonu

In Lagos streets, complaints arise,
Traffic snarls, early morns, and sighs,
Every family owns a car,
Husband, wife, child, traveling far,
But now they plan, to ease the strain,
Save money, save time, and beat the lane.

‘Pablo’ and ‘Richie’, now counts their coins,
Eight cars once driven with arrogant flair,
The fuel’s high tide eroding such display.
Cynthia embraces a different role to play,
Joins on foot, trades her fancy wheels-
‘Leggediz Benz’, her health appeals.

Married women find relief,
No sugar daddies walk the streets,
Husbands return home earlier than 6,
The weight of side chicks lifted, the wives rejoice.

Ecological blessings bloom,
As cars sit still, a change of tune,
Streets now free from traffic’s tide,
Less exhaust, more space for life to breathe
Streets adorned with footsteps, not tire marks,
Now atleast, the poor can breathe.
Lagos learns to walk, the work of change.
-Collins Alilonu

22/07/2023