The Real Prostitutes

No, not they who are hurled to streets
By cruel chase of economy
Not the ones, plainly driven
Into giving shame away
For choice is smashed
As lack shrinks their faces
But the ones who’ve stolen their lot
And come back to pay for their pride
The ones whose vices
Have pronounced them upon the road

No, not they with only ethics to scuffle
For their actions wrestle against dignity
Not they with themselves to worry
Since their option only alienates them
For not many are driven to muse
By their will to trade forbidden
But they who tender interest
At cost of stakes for which they stand
The ones with homes to defend
Same ones who tussle such measures

No, not they who vend their bodies
Because no one bought their brains
Not they who gave in to brazenness
Since no one heard them cry
Not they who make up brothels
For no place else they could be
But them who buy at any charge
And make the market flourishing
The ones who come day after day
And cause vendors to thrive

Elambo Neville Tamanjong

Writer/Actor/Poet