Let Me Be Poem by John Sensele

Let me live my life as I please
Whether I sleep around or smoke myself to death
But worry about your keys
Which can't open doors to my failing health.

Let me enjoy the cabbage I like
Whether I have neither tomatoes nor onions
But vegetables psyche
Me up although I abhor your odious opinions.

Let me enjoy the company that fits the temperament
On which you look down
Cos I don't give a hoot about your predicament
For I get kicks from the City Square clown.

Let me support the political party of my choice
As I exercise my democratic rights
To throw my weight behind the voice
That promotes rights of women who don tights.

Let me worship as best as I know how
Because Christianity suits my spiritual beliefs
Which everyday grow
Stronger although you claim churches forbid kerchiefs.

Let me be although I sell vegetables by the roadside
To earn the little honest income
That sustains my bride and boosts the pride
That lights up my cosy home.

Let me be although I own a basic mobile phone
Whose ringtone gets on your nerves
When I stray in your comfort zone
Which every Zambian by birth deserves.


Let me enjoy my life in Chamboli compound
Where the real Zambian lives
Although his children maize they pound
Into mealie meal which hobnobs with cassava leaves.