That Nigerian Girl

I am unlearning silence Learning how to say no To things that make me uncomfortable To the things that hurt me To the things that me question self-worth To the things that make me subservient I am unlearning grief Learning to let go Of the thoughts that draw me back Of the words that pierced my heart Of the laughter that mocked my spirit Of the promises that ridiculed my choice I am learning laughter Learning to hold on To the things that bring me joy To the things that flood my heart with light To the words that propel me forward To the people who bring me peace I am learning bravery Learning to say yes To the things that make me free To things passion brings my way To the path that lets my voice be heard To the one that lets my heart love To the one that leads my heart to love

Silver spoon, Golden fork, or Steel plates. We all have goals We all have dreams 24 hours Might not be enough time, To accomplish the task of the day. 8 hours X one week Might be too much time, Tilling another's field to water yours. How long does it take To understand one's self To realize one's purpose 100 years? Still many leave unfulfilled Wishing they did more. How much time is enough To turn dreams and aspirations to reality? Imagination paints the picture in minutes Decisions are made in a split second Plans unfold in days Reality is lived through years The beauty of your life Rests in your ability to make happy choices Be sure of the picture you have painted Be sure it's that of Happiness, and Joy, and Fulfillment, and Life Take a step...Breathe Wad through... Focused on your picture perfect life Push ahead. Live life... Live truly happy.

"Madam you need to be present at her school, your daughter is insolent". I can still remember those words. On another occasion mother came, She asked that I apologize, I stared at her and shook my head..."no". "You act like you're high class". I can remember a friend say. I am most ashamed now, Of the way I lowered my chin and walked away. "I don't like the way you walk with your shoulders raised up". Right now I could smack myself, for I found myself later, Walking with my head down, eyes focused on the ground. "You laugh too loud and deep" or was it..."you laugh too much and it's weird". I should laugh now, at the way her face was twisted in disgust. They never understand. "she too dey do sef". I heard their whispers,  I want to scream at myself, for being mute and wishing I wasn't the best. After all, other people could do it as well. I have heard s...

          My tutorial teacher asked a question in class. She asked if any of us (students) would die for our countries. When nobody replied, she went ahead to say that in a class she had tutored earlier that day, a Nigerian had given a passionate speech.  A speech thick with emotion, on how he could die for his country (Nigeria).     All Nigerians in class immediately burst out laughing, I too laughed. The rest of the students had their eyes on us like we were crazy, but we seemed not to care. My tutor was not exempted as she starred at us surprised.     We as Nigerians in the class thought in our minds I’m sure the same thing. Can anyone really die for Nigeria? Of all countries! Some of my classmates (Nigerians) made statements like “am I mad?” “I never die for my mama finish”, my classmate beside me said she can’t even take a slap. But after a while in class I began to ponder, on what it actually meant ...