Published September 15th, 2024
Africa Poetry Magazine Contest #2 – First Place
by Laylaa Oliver
All has gone
like that of a free land,
from the laughter of children, a cheery sound.
to the sound of horns beeping on a busy street, as people are off to work
The smell of freshly baked bread from Ali's bakery
to the sound of goodbyes from the mothers, it echoes through the air.
To the smile of a young lad, when he sees his friend there
to the sound of good morning, as the teacher welcomes back his students.
To the time when learning was fun, yet educational.
By the afternoons as he waves his friend goodbye
By the lights that illuminate the streets as night passes by
like that of fairy lights in the midnight sky.
To the sound of cutlery, and laughter from across the table as a family shares their day.
By a kiss of a mother as she kisses her child before he lays
to the sound of the call to prayer as it awakens you from your slumber
calling you to success.
All in one has gone
Freedom, oh how it will be
Laughter of every child, roaming free
Oh what a place it could be
About the Poet
Laylaa Oliver resides in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
Read the poet's biography on Laylaa Oliver's Artist Page.
This poem is also featured in Wax Poetry and Art Magazine #5, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Previously published in Africa Poetry Magazine:
The Fingerprints of the Unwanted
by Uyanda Mziyako
Africa Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
- Visit the main Wax Poetry and Art Submissions Page to see all opportunities.
- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
- This website and all contents ©Kirk Ramdath and specified artists.
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