Nkemjika, Mummy had always called him; a dignifying pride in her voice devoid of anything less. She would sometimes call it like she says a word, taking it syllable by syllable like she wanted every sound to craft its own meaning. It was a thing of pride, the way she called it; What I have … Continue reading Nkemjika ‘What I Have More’
To be weird means being different and unusual It means being haunted by the insecurities that will always follow Like knives thrown and aimed at your exposed self The fear of the blades piercing through your flesh The blades of social judgement and prejudice. To be weird means going against the crashing waves The force that … Continue reading Dare To Be Different
Black and White, Valencia, Contrast, Brightness, Fade… Yes Fade. You see me fade into these shadowed images. You think I’m biracial because of my filters. I have black hair and brown eyes but that too can be changed. Who I am without a filter is different. I am change. I am pain. I am … Continue reading I Am Different…
I cannot say exactly when the scrawny hands of death snuck in but my guess is that it was by installments. Little by little, they tore away at the sacred threads that form the lofty fabric of womanhood, and then suddenly we see the woman no more. What we have in her stead is a … Continue reading Her Death!
In these last few weeks, I’ve had to tell a couple of people that my grandma passed away, and every single time I’ve said these words, its meaning has sounded hallow in my head. It sounded like just some distant person I am related to had passed on. But the words “my grandmother” don’t even … Continue reading I Love You, Grandma!
I’d like to have a bruise. A broken nose, some missing teeth. Something to show. Something people can see. I’d like a big scar – right across my face One that makes people gasp and look away. I want something that shows the pain, Something that shows what it feels like Something that makes people … Continue reading Rippers Of Innocence
Note: This may include some offensive/explicit words. “This is all up to you,” The overpowering man says, with a knife to my chin. “You can relax and make this easy for yourself or you can fight and make this harder than it already is.” I am currently stripped down to my boxer short, my bare … Continue reading Of Monsters And Men
It was one of those windy harmattan Wednesdays in Enugu, a steady swoosh of dust and wind on the untarred streets of Independence layout, that made Noel Ubaka long for a summer holiday abroad. He covered his face to protect himself as he walked up the street. He had gone for a quick jog – … Continue reading Best Kept Secrets
The first time someone called me a writer was at a cramped party in the university. Heat rising between our bodily spaces Sweat collecting at the base of my brow to keep anxiety at bay I listen as he describes me to a boy I had just met, ‘He’s an amazing writer. Trust me, he’s … Continue reading Forlon Cry (After Miles Hodges)
We teach boys to shrink themselves; to make themselves smaller. We say to boys: You can be fashionable but not too much. You should aim to look good but not too good otherwise you’d threaten the woman. Because I am male, I’m expected to aspire to monochrome. I’m expected to make my fashion choices always … Continue reading We Should All Be Fashionists
The door to the private visiting room opened, and the woman strode through it sluggishly, stopping short at the table where the lady sat head down. “What are you doing here?” A surprised Regina queried as she looked up and saw the woman staring down at her. Rage swirled through her at the sight of … Continue reading Craving Hope (XV) Final Episode
Weeks passed with agonizing slowness, during which Gabrielle and her children flew to the US to recuperate through therapy and a change of environment. Ifeoma seemed resentful, Ekene was confused, and Gabrielle was exhausted. Ifeoma resented Gabrielle for how quickly she ran into the arms of another man days after her husband’s death. The therapist … Continue reading Craving Hope (XIV)
I feel your breath against my skin Like warm breeze grazing my neck Faces entwined in swaying motions Seeking, finding; suckling, nibbling Glistening teeth sinking deep Deeper into blood pumped necks. We find ourselves in a new world A world driven by total euphoria A world of entwined souls lost within each other So alive, … Continue reading Entwined Souls
Obiekwe was already waiting for them at Amobi’s office. He rose and shook hands with Ike and Gabrielle. “Mrs. Rosenfeld. Congratulations on your recent good fortune. The prosecuting attorney has given me a copy of Regina Agu’s full confession since I would now handling the case.” “Thank you, Mr. Obiekwe, I am glad you have … Continue reading Craving Hope (XIII)
An open note of gratitude to you, Daddy. I want to thank you for all you’ve done for me, for all you’ve done to me, and for all you have done in me. I want to thank you for the fears you let me harbour, for the misery you put me through, and for the … Continue reading An Open Note To My Father