I used to love her, I did. Africa; that lady. Beautiful and proud. I loved her in my childhood, when all I knew of her, were warmth and juicy fruits, when I was kissed gently by her sun, and it’s heat caressed me. I loved her still, Africa; that woman. Before I understood her struggles … Continue reading I Used to Love Her
The studio went dim, and then there was that sound that has become the trademark of the game show. Then it was all silent. I felt my grip on the arms of the black swivel chair popularly known as the hot seat, tighten. “The next question is for one million” the moderator said, his eyes … Continue reading On the Hot Seat
Chief Iwuchukwu paced around his luxurious master bedroom in agitation. This was not good, he muttered to himself. This was not good at all. Had he not contributed thousands… no, millions of naira to the party’s coffers? Had he not, as a result, been promised that he would be selected as the party’s candidate for … Continue reading Dirty Business
Soon, the driver jumped onto his partitioned seat. I noticed he was not the pot-bellied man. He was a tall muscular giant with very large arms. He turned the ignition on. The engines gave a loud roar like that of a wounded lion. He stepped on the accelerator several times and the engines bellowed in … Continue reading You Never Know (2)
Early morning harmattan has come and with it an overwhelming dryness, which gnaws at the sides of the eyes and attempts to solidify the eye wax. This dryness also rests on the lips and makes them unattractive. This means that Vaseline sellers would soon make money this season. Wipe off your tears, everyone, before the … Continue reading A Fake Feel Of The Yuletide
An African twelfth month!
Salons overflow with women;
Wigs, weavons & make-up are sold out.
Broke boyfriends cook up quarrels
To avoid footing Cupid’s Christmas bills.
Happy New Year to YOU…
Oh dear!
Does that mean a Happy New ME?
I wish I could say
I’ll be better;
I wish I could say
I’ll be nicer;
I wish I could even say
I’ll be sweeter…….
Quite Naturarily, the first thought on my mind was to flee. Unfortunately, there was only one window and a door in my room and both were no options at all as the two men ‘seemingly’ after my life were standing right in front of them. The only option was to go through the roof but … Continue reading Love in Gamawa (4)
Dear Aisha
I’m moving out of the house and into a lil’ hut
Don’t worry about me, success is my only option; failure’s not
I’ve worked my butt off long enough
But I need to be brave and hex away this curse
She was here.
Right here,I say.
like weeds on my barn
scattered over my orchard.
Her voice I hear,
weaved around my head-
like yam leaves in my farm.
As we enter into the New Year
Our roads are still the same
With its pothole and street light on it
The air we breathe in is still the same
As we enter into the New Year
Our roads are still the same
With its pothole and street light on it
The air we breathe in is still the same
When Love turns sour
each visit to see her becomes a chore
climbing Mount Everest is an east feat
as to getting on the bus to her abode!
its innocent me alone
thats left to atone
for the deed of ancestors
long lost in earths stores
I lie silent, making no sound, save the swishing that is my restless legs sliding across the palm fronds scattered around the bench on which I lay, while inside me rages a tempest. Words I dare not grant voice scream deafeningly, demanding to be heard and maybe obeyed. As hard as it is to, I … Continue reading For the last time
Onitsha town flew past. It was noisy with the yawns of multi-directional motions. From where I was crammed at the back of a heady minibus, I continued to watch as its spinning form sped by along the expressway. After a while, it slowed down to a halt, took the shape of fiery motor park touts … Continue reading You Never Know (1)