That Nigerian Girl

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...

I remember sitting And staring into the dark Nothing surrounds me Other than the sound of mother nature The waves hitting on each other Like two sisters who had a quarrel so bitter I remember looking And seeing the stars shine How far, yet they could twinkle Their bright light Contrasting with the dark night The brief second of peace and calm I could cherish through a life of storm I remember feeling  And saying to myself Nothing beats nature She invites and warns The truth of beauty she teaches Not too far, my love... You do not know the dangers of her depth I remember thinking This is her power She makes you fall in love Leaves you with wishes and imaginations You never know when you're lost In your dreams, flooded with thoughts But in your state of ambivalence She's the one Who makes you remember.

                                      I heard a blast                       I was shaken                       It couldn't be                       At least not again                        I heard screams                       I saw the flames                       I was mortified                       They were at it again                        O humans                    ...