Oro nation, Akwa Ibom State We waited by the beach for the sea monster. She, in red robes, tied to a rock, adorned with fruit and incense. I, in a tiger skin tunic, crouched in the shadows, bearing gifts. I had been polishing my weapons when her ailing father burst in weeping, begging me to … Continue reading Gifts For Isantim
This is an open book, Internet enabled, Hindsight empowered resit exam. My parents are getting a second chance at Parenthood Perfection, Through my virgin hands. I have been the guinea pig, The critic, activist and judge Now it’s my turn to mould a life into a legend, a human or a turd. I am armed … Continue reading Professional Parent
The song says ‘Everything na double double’, nothing could be more appropriate at this time, Thanks to your indefatigable support at the Etisalat prize polls, our story, Dressed Like a Prince, made it to the Etisalat Flash Fiction Prize shortlist along with 19 other stories. Thank you for your support and votes, goodwill and encouragement, … Continue reading Hurray! We Are On The ICCOM/Etisalat Shortlist And We Need Your Support!
Dear family,friends,and well wishers, Compliments of the season. I trust that you have been fine, and from a glance at our timeline, I can see that we are still doing what we do best– telling Naija’s stories. I am glad and honoured to be one of you, and I want you to know that. I … Continue reading Please Support ‘Dressed Like A Prince’ in The Etisalat Flash Fiction Prize
I turn you on, My heartbeat Echoes, thunder in my head, Louder than Your gasps and groans, How long has it been? Since the first time I explored your depths With innocent wonder? I still remember, Your brilliance, amazing Your ambience, mystifying Your speed, electrifying Your performance, unrivalled. I fear that each Connection, Will be … Continue reading Death By Seduction
When you have a date with Life, You must dress for it. Wear black, body armour, A life jacket and a bullet proof vest. When She throws lemons Make lemonade, A bunch of bananas, Make smoothies, A basket of tomatoes, Make tomato paste, Showers of rain, Make a rainbow, Handfuls of mud, Mold a vase, … Continue reading Dress Code
You aren’t what you were before i met you, your innocence will never, be reclaimed, Stomping my heels on your porch, Left your broken dreams in a heap– by the dustbin, Strangers, are friends you haven’t met yet, or bad ideas you never should let fly out of their cocoons to pollute the Peririmeter of … Continue reading Damaged Goods
We walked to the market under the glare of an angry yellow sun. Dust clouds covered the road, ugly gaunt ghosts. We scarcely spoke as we stomped on, each step faster than the last. Sold to our shared plan, we were focused, bold, hardened. The scent of mangoes hung heavy around us–tangy, sweet, and supple. … Continue reading They Stole Our Eyes
Caught in midstride Chemokai couldn’t breathe. The Queen was making her way to the head of the table and the other councillors were taking their seats. As Chemokai made his way back to his seat his heartbeat thundered in his ears. He had to make the impromptu plan work–somehow. Without more thought, he rose and … Continue reading Enestera Chronicles: Weeping Coffers 3
You never told anyone you were a bastard. It was easier that way. It gave critics less amunition and allowed friends envy you completely. When you refused to touch Nailia before the wedding she worried that you weren’t virile. You laughed long, loud and hard. “That should be the least of your worries girl” She … Continue reading Two Bastards And A Lady
Lagos, Present Day. Laurie read over the blog post on her laptop for the ninth time. A frisson of glee swept over her. Wow, this was going to dynamite! She skimmed over the facts of the story. Terreghe Lawrence, a single, Christian, male, youth corper had died the day before while taking a swim … Continue reading Laurie’s Last Lie
Nicole Bassey, Nigeria. A raving lunatic is cured of insanity through new scientific advances but the side effects threaten his future greatly. I do not suffer insanity, I enjoy every minute–Edgar Poe Eket-Atlantic State, Deltania (Former Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria) August, 2113. It’s been fifteen years since Nigeria split into seven sister states; ten, … Continue reading What If Manic Schizophrenia Was Curable But At A Price?
Southern Nigeria April 2012. A place where men and women sell themselves for food,that is what the labour market is. It is a place where money and desperation meet, also called Urua Owo, human market. Everyday except Sundays we gather on a parcel of government land and pray for buyers. Today business is slow. Tuesdays … Continue reading Labour Market 1
Mommy and Daddy are fighting again. They would never say it but I know it is about me. I am seven years old but I can’t sit, can’t talk and can’t walk. All I do is eat, poo and cry. Not a pretty sight, I know. Most of mothers friends have all left her, the … Continue reading The Snake Child’s wish
I was surfing through the NS slush pile when I saw it. I froze. It was mid-morning, i needed to eat, dress up and drive fifty miles to my day job, but at that moment none of that mattered . All that mattered were the words on my computer screen or was I imagining them? … Continue reading Dear Sam Bright Omo