Fruits Of My Labor
by Shemisa Ali  

I have just returned from another consuming, exhausting
Day of work and just entered my raggedy home
I’m tired of struggling for nothing
I’m ready to enjoy the fruits of my labor.  

I work from the moment
The golden sun wakes til’ the moment she sleeps
Wondering when all my days of endless efforts
Will transform into a miracle of prosperity  

So one day I can enjoy life and simply eat.
Can you hear my stomach growling?
I’m so hungry.  

I envision a fruit basket of luxury
Inside lies Sweet, plump, and juicy
Oranges, kiwi, apples,
And strawberries  

Ripe bananas and cantaloupes
Pears and peaches
Please – no blueberries  

Voluptuous mangos
& grapefruit
And super sweet cherries  

I try not to succumb to the passion fruit
Its temptation is known for being bitter/sweet
My intentions are to live “fruit-fully”
No longer will I weep  

I eat minute after minute,
Hour after hour “
Stay away from the lemon,” they say
“Its tart is way too sour

For you to handle”  

I dream and dream
Of this fruit-full life
Until I am awakened from my sleep  

I can savor & eat
Whatever, whenever, at anytime I please
Be from the moment the golden sun wakes
‘Til the moment she sleeps
And finally
My days of endless efforts
Have transformed into miracles of prosperity  

No more, no more
Rotten, flea infested fruits I’ve been givin’
No more, no more
Suffering in this life I’ve been livin’  

All this hard work & affliction
I’ve endured
Damn it I deserve more!
A great big fruit store
Someday, one day  

I’ll enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Shemisa Ali is a 21 year old Daemen College student seeking a BA degree. She says, “I am going into my senior year, and my major is English-Communications/PR. I am a Buffalo native with high hopes of relocating after graduation where I can use my degree for all it's worth, and gain further knowledge and experience in writing, media, performing arts, and possibly education.”