POETRY: STAY IN YOUR HOUSE

In Lagos you don't talk to strangers

You do not answer when

Someone calls 'Sister!' or 'Brother'

By the roadside, in a park, in a market

Lest you become something strange-

Something else

Don't help that old woman pick her money from the floor

Or else you'll turn into a yam tuber

If you help that man pass his bus fare

He will make you disappear

Like magic

Don't give alms to beggars

They will surely transfer their infirmities to you

Because they are that powerful

The lame will walk home rejoicing, while 

You are left to wonder what suddenly happened

To your legs

If someone stops in their metal-on-tyres

To ask for directions

You'd better not answer them!

Next thing you have been TAKEN

And Liam Neeson won't come for you

In fact, if you like yourself

Just stay in your house

Don't answer any visitors

Don't come out