All that I can afford

growing up, on Thursdays,
prayers were made for the dead,
Islam says that they are
mostly answered on this day.

now every Thursday,
I think of families whom
death has extended an
unwanted ‘pleasant’ visit.

and I’m not here because
I’m irreplaceable or
too good to leave, it’s just
not yet time to be worthless.

for the choice that I don’t
have to be here now or not,
for the gift that I can’t buy,
to God – for life – thank you.

Tomide Abdul