I can’t sleep without car horns

Because my thoughts get too loud

I can’t see stars well at nighttime

Because headights drown them out

The city raised me heartily

Like I’m it’s only child

But taught me to live a cramped life

Where space cannot be found

A hectic, sleepless, screaming bubble

Of people tryna make it big

I’m one of them, I suppose

Been one since I was a kid

I talk smack, it’s my fourth language

It helps you get around

But only in the slums

Where manners make no sound

I talk posh, occasionally

It helps me make a sound

It makes the snotty people think

I’ve lived where wealth abounds

I talk too much, I walk too fast

I’ve heard my voice can be quite brash

I’ve heard my eyes are always bright

Because Lagos doesn’t sleep at night