That Nigerian Girl

Hello, Welcome to the new year, welcome to 2020. Like all new years before this, you may or may not have a new year’s resolution. If you did have a resolution for the year 2019, did you achieve the things you set down to? If you did achieve them, congratulations!!!  If like me you didn’t achieve all that you set out to, please gather here for a group hug. If you didn’t achieve any goal at all...breathe. I do know that life happens, challenges occur, curve balls and down times are a thing. If you did experience any life changing setback in 2019, please share with us on how you were able to bounce back. 2019 was a significant year for me, moving away from a 9-5, trying new paths, and being flat out broke.To be very honest, my biggest support came from family. Understanding that I was at this difficult place, knowing that I was trying to find my place, not talking me down or placing a pressure to achieve. I was already under pressure from the goals t...

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

"What tribe are you?" The man beside me asked, while I was waiting for a vehicle that would convey me to work. I guessed him to be in his late forties. "I am Ijaw" I responded. "What tribe are you Sir?" He responds inaudibly and adds that he is from Kogi State. He went on to say how some Ijaw people are nice, and that his brother was taken to Port-Harcourt and introduced to a man, and now this said brother is a very big man. I thought in my head that that was nice, how strangers could be the gateway to the next big thing. Keep in mind that by brother he probably meant a cousin, distant relative, or an individual from the same tribe, or same state of origin. moments of silence "Are you married?" ah ah, just lai  dat? "No Sir" By this time my countenance had changed. I am tired of random men, randomly proclaiming love/likeness and going ahead to make marriage proposals. "You should get married..." okay  "...the...

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.

I knew her story before it was told I saw her Bouncing up and down, itching to play A beautiful little girl Tugging and pulling 'Let me out' she says Full of energy no one could contain. I saw her She rushed past Beautiful young lady I couldn't believe she grew so fast Yet another interview She had to get a yes this time. I saw her How could I not recognize that smile Beautiful woman Haggling with the plantain seller Carrying her little girl on her back Whispering 'everything is going to be okay' I was too caught up...I didn't see Everything happened in a blur I didn't see her fears and confusion Or get a whiff of the tension Didn't hear the abusive words I am most sorry I should have looked more closely What happened to all that energy...bouncy little girl? Beyond her perfect smile I didn't see the tear stained cheeks Covered carefully with layers of powder Or the finger prints...covered perfectly with her hair. I s...

"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...

I sit and think Long sad painful thoughts I wonder how long before it's all over The pain, hurt and suffering The lies, cheating and deceit They say life is a journey Of ups and downs How many more downs before an up? Does our journey ever end? The tears seem to flow forever They say everything comes to an end Happiness, Joy and laughter Please don't end You give me hope That... Pain, hurt and suffering would end Or would it? At least my life would end At the end of my life Is the end of it all I have no fear for the end Because in the end It all ends...