SOUL SAYINGS
‘Bullies are always to be found where there are cowards’
Mahatma Gandhi
‘Ability hits the mark where presumption overshoots and indifference falls short’ Nicholas of Cusa
‘The absent are never without fault nor the present without excuse’ Benjamin Franklin
‘Friends, though absent, are still present’
Cicero
‘They are able because they think they are’
Vergi
‘Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age’
Victor Hugo
‘Never give advice in a crowd’
Arabian proverb
‘In times of prosperity friends will be plenty; in times of adversity, not one in twenty’
James Howell
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
A SHORT STORY
ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS
The room they were in, seemed to heighten the palpable tension…..and dread they felt. It was a tad small, poorly ventilated, reeked of the smell of damp earth and its walls featured a network of faded parches, cracks and crevices. In addition, it seemed that the walls could speak as well- their voices gaining audience in Mary’s sub-conscious! In a voice she could barely recognize as hers, she remarked “Peter, please hold me! I am a bit scared”. “You do not have to be, my love! We are in this together; you and me, forever!” he soothingly reassured her.
Soon they interlocked in an embrace that was too intense for words to describe. Starry-eyed, they both wished that the moment presented other alternatives, not as deciding, not as consequential. “This is the only way out” Peter said, in a voice that croaked with pain and anguish.” I wish we had met under different circumstances, in a different place, at another time” Mary sobbed a response- “But is this situation irredeemable; have we actually reached that point of no return?” She asked no one in particular. “Our love has been the anchor upon which our relationship has weathered every storm, over and over again. However the attacks have persisted for too long and in order to preserve the sanctity of our oath, we must resort to this action,” he surmised a reply. “Yes, the oath we swore to,” she painfully recollected, “giving of ourselves to each other, in love and affection, in life as well as in death!”
The sound of that unnerved her and as she looked into his eyes, she could sense the resoluteness of his will, nay, of their will! He cropped her in his arms again and reassured her of the appropriateness of the action they were about to undertake, since love conquers all, forgives all. Soon their lips locked in a passionate kiss, so intense that their intertwined bodies throbbed from the thrilling sensation of the act as well as a morbid fear of the course they had chosen! After what seemed to be an eternity, they disengaged and he reached for two glass cups, on a table close-by. “I assure you my love that the effect of this mixture will give a little pain and before long we shall be together in another world, free from all the interferences forever!” he stated matter-of-factly. He handed her a cup and both proceeded to reaffirm the love they felt and shared once more for the last time. They chinked their glasses in a toast and for a brief period that seemed frozen in time, they gazed at each other. In unison, they lifted the cups, signifying the beginning of the end .Peter directs his cup to his mouth and closes his eyes as the deathly mixture made its way into him! He opened his eyes and gave a smile. However, something had gone wrong and as the smile gave way to perplexity then a frown, the enormity of the situation dawned on him: Mary had not drunk the poisoned mixture! She stood silently, cup in hand, tears in her eyes and remarked “I am sorry my love. I can’t do this, please forgive me!”
However, there was little time to comprehend all that was happening as he dropped to his knees, the poison having begun its destructive assignment in him. He could sense life sipping out of him but not in his eyes, for they bore in them the motley mix of anger, sorrow, betrayal and anguish. And these very eyes were transfixed on her. As he succumbed further to the lethal effects of the concoction, all Mary could do was hide her face in her hands, in bid to shield her eyes and her heart from that glare. It was too late; though, for his eyes remained open even in death and his parted lips seemed to have spoken her name in anguish, how-be-it for the last time!
Eerily she felt obligated to make Peter’s exit from the world a bit dignified, “he deserves to rest in peace, his eyes should not remain open. I have to close them” she mused. However, she knew deep down in her heart that she could not afford to have his stare etched in her memory, indelibly! She stooped by his side and as she stretched out a hand to close his eyes, he suddenly grabbed her by the arms in a last fit of involuntary spasm, his eyes locked on hers! Screaming in fright, she forces herself free from his grip even as she stumbles backwards in the process. She ploughed her way furiously away from the now still remains of Peter but worse seemed to be in store! The voices had returned in her head in greater intensity as she beat a hasty retreat, taunting and jeering her! Moreover, she could not tell if they were random or that of Peter. All she knew with a certainty was her need to leave that room as well all the madness and torture quickly!
Still on the floor, she knocked the table over to get to her veil and hat, inadvertently spilling her cup of poison! Crawling on all fours, teary-eyed and gasping for breadth, she soon reached the door! Standing on wobbly knees, she paused to comport herself, concealing her identity with the veil and hat. As she opened the door, she casts a long, mournful look at the body at the center of the room, as if performing an act of penance! Then she hurriedly shut the door behind her and made her way into the sanctuary of the surrounding still darkness!
The room they were in, seemed to heighten the palpable tension…..and dread they felt. It was a tad small, poorly ventilated, reeked of the smell of damp earth and its walls featured a network of faded parches, cracks and crevices. In addition, it seemed that the walls could speak as well- their voices gaining audience in Mary’s sub-conscious! In a voice she could barely recognize as hers, she remarked “Peter, please hold me! I am a bit scared”. “You do not have to be, my love! We are in this together; you and me, forever!” he soothingly reassured her.
Soon they interlocked in an embrace that was too intense for words to describe. Starry-eyed, they both wished that the moment presented other alternatives, not as deciding, not as consequential. “This is the only way out” Peter said, in a voice that croaked with pain and anguish.” I wish we had met under different circumstances, in a different place, at another time” Mary sobbed a response- “But is this situation irredeemable; have we actually reached that point of no return?” She asked no one in particular. “Our love has been the anchor upon which our relationship has weathered every storm, over and over again. However the attacks have persisted for too long and in order to preserve the sanctity of our oath, we must resort to this action,” he surmised a reply. “Yes, the oath we swore to,” she painfully recollected, “giving of ourselves to each other, in love and affection, in life as well as in death!”
The sound of that unnerved her and as she looked into his eyes, she could sense the resoluteness of his will, nay, of their will! He cropped her in his arms again and reassured her of the appropriateness of the action they were about to undertake, since love conquers all, forgives all. Soon their lips locked in a passionate kiss, so intense that their intertwined bodies throbbed from the thrilling sensation of the act as well as a morbid fear of the course they had chosen! After what seemed to be an eternity, they disengaged and he reached for two glass cups, on a table close-by. “I assure you my love that the effect of this mixture will give a little pain and before long we shall be together in another world, free from all the interferences forever!” he stated matter-of-factly. He handed her a cup and both proceeded to reaffirm the love they felt and shared once more for the last time. They chinked their glasses in a toast and for a brief period that seemed frozen in time, they gazed at each other. In unison, they lifted the cups, signifying the beginning of the end .Peter directs his cup to his mouth and closes his eyes as the deathly mixture made its way into him! He opened his eyes and gave a smile. However, something had gone wrong and as the smile gave way to perplexity then a frown, the enormity of the situation dawned on him: Mary had not drunk the poisoned mixture! She stood silently, cup in hand, tears in her eyes and remarked “I am sorry my love. I can’t do this, please forgive me!”
However, there was little time to comprehend all that was happening as he dropped to his knees, the poison having begun its destructive assignment in him. He could sense life sipping out of him but not in his eyes, for they bore in them the motley mix of anger, sorrow, betrayal and anguish. And these very eyes were transfixed on her. As he succumbed further to the lethal effects of the concoction, all Mary could do was hide her face in her hands, in bid to shield her eyes and her heart from that glare. It was too late; though, for his eyes remained open even in death and his parted lips seemed to have spoken her name in anguish, how-be-it for the last time!
Eerily she felt obligated to make Peter’s exit from the world a bit dignified, “he deserves to rest in peace, his eyes should not remain open. I have to close them” she mused. However, she knew deep down in her heart that she could not afford to have his stare etched in her memory, indelibly! She stooped by his side and as she stretched out a hand to close his eyes, he suddenly grabbed her by the arms in a last fit of involuntary spasm, his eyes locked on hers! Screaming in fright, she forces herself free from his grip even as she stumbles backwards in the process. She ploughed her way furiously away from the now still remains of Peter but worse seemed to be in store! The voices had returned in her head in greater intensity as she beat a hasty retreat, taunting and jeering her! Moreover, she could not tell if they were random or that of Peter. All she knew with a certainty was her need to leave that room as well all the madness and torture quickly!
Still on the floor, she knocked the table over to get to her veil and hat, inadvertently spilling her cup of poison! Crawling on all fours, teary-eyed and gasping for breadth, she soon reached the door! Standing on wobbly knees, she paused to comport herself, concealing her identity with the veil and hat. As she opened the door, she casts a long, mournful look at the body at the center of the room, as if performing an act of penance! Then she hurriedly shut the door behind her and made her way into the sanctuary of the surrounding still darkness!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
ZONE POETICA
( IN MEMORY OF THOSE NIGERIANS FELLED BY THE VIOLENCE THAT ERUPTED IN SOME PARTS OF THE NIGERIA, IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE 2011 GENERAL ELECTIONS.)
DO NOT WEEP FOR US
Do not weep for us as we have gone away
To a distant land
Where you cannot hold our hands
We, who once sojourned on these naija sands,
Can only hope our dirges; will be sung by a national band
Do not weep for us because we gave our best
We did not go down timidly, with arms at rest
For our executioners seemed so possessed
As if in a hurry to accomplish some urgent national quest
Do not weep for us because we are no more
Nevertheless, if you do forget us, we will not feel sore
For being a Nigerian at times
Could be such a big chore
One thing we ask
Let us remain treasured in your hearts’ core
Do not weep for us but sing the national anthem
If it makes you feel any better, convene a gathering that is solemn
However, go beyond the rhetoric of seeking whom to condemn
And address salient national issues in tandem
Do not weep for us and our labours past
We may not be the heroes standing last
Do well to spread the peace message fast
And begin a new Nigerian drama, complete with crew and cast
Do not weep for us because we left in a hurry
But this monstrous event happened in a flurry
And their mercy, we tried in vain to curry
So we bequeath to you, our remains to bury.
Do not weep for us; rather look up life’s golden rule
Though we have lost our place on Nigeria’s stool
Erect structures on things that make us wise, not fools
For we will never forget Nigeria,
The place of our birth; the land of our death.
DO NOT WEEP FOR US
Do not weep for us as we have gone away
To a distant land
Where you cannot hold our hands
We, who once sojourned on these naija sands,
Can only hope our dirges; will be sung by a national band
Do not weep for us because we gave our best
We did not go down timidly, with arms at rest
For our executioners seemed so possessed
As if in a hurry to accomplish some urgent national quest
Do not weep for us because we are no more
Nevertheless, if you do forget us, we will not feel sore
For being a Nigerian at times
Could be such a big chore
One thing we ask
Let us remain treasured in your hearts’ core
Do not weep for us but sing the national anthem
If it makes you feel any better, convene a gathering that is solemn
However, go beyond the rhetoric of seeking whom to condemn
And address salient national issues in tandem
Do not weep for us and our labours past
We may not be the heroes standing last
Do well to spread the peace message fast
And begin a new Nigerian drama, complete with crew and cast
Do not weep for us because we left in a hurry
But this monstrous event happened in a flurry
And their mercy, we tried in vain to curry
So we bequeath to you, our remains to bury.
Do not weep for us; rather look up life’s golden rule
Though we have lost our place on Nigeria’s stool
Erect structures on things that make us wise, not fools
For we will never forget Nigeria,
The place of our birth; the land of our death.
ACE OF THE DAY (Kanu Nwankwo, Cardiology Hospital)
A distinguished former member of the Super Eagles (the senior men’s football team of Nigeria) has concluded plans to establish a cardiology center through his foundation (Kanu Heart Foundation {KNF}) and the support of friends! Considering the fact that a heart condition could have ended his professional football career and even his life some years ago, it comes as no surprise that he has chosen this course of action. Only hopes that more philanthropic gestures like this will come from the rich and famous as part a holistic corporate social responsibility!
JOKER OF THE DAY (Nigerian Government)
The Federal Authorities in Nigeria must receive heavy knocks for the lip service it has paid to revamping the country’s healthcare sector! Critical health conditions requiring specialized care such as heart problems, kidney failure and the like have compelled many Nigerians to seek medical attention abroad, usually at great costs! The situation is further exacerbated when public officials depart our shores, for routine medical check-ups! Kanu Nwankwo hinted that it would costs about N5Bn to set-up the cardiology centre, an amount that is not beyond the capabilities of a nation that is the sixth biggest oil-producer worldwide. What is required is the will and sincerity of purpose to effectively, efficiently and equitably utilize the resources of the country for the well-being of Nigerians!
A distinguished former member of the Super Eagles (the senior men’s football team of Nigeria) has concluded plans to establish a cardiology center through his foundation (Kanu Heart Foundation {KNF}) and the support of friends! Considering the fact that a heart condition could have ended his professional football career and even his life some years ago, it comes as no surprise that he has chosen this course of action. Only hopes that more philanthropic gestures like this will come from the rich and famous as part a holistic corporate social responsibility!
JOKER OF THE DAY (Nigerian Government)
The Federal Authorities in Nigeria must receive heavy knocks for the lip service it has paid to revamping the country’s healthcare sector! Critical health conditions requiring specialized care such as heart problems, kidney failure and the like have compelled many Nigerians to seek medical attention abroad, usually at great costs! The situation is further exacerbated when public officials depart our shores, for routine medical check-ups! Kanu Nwankwo hinted that it would costs about N5Bn to set-up the cardiology centre, an amount that is not beyond the capabilities of a nation that is the sixth biggest oil-producer worldwide. What is required is the will and sincerity of purpose to effectively, efficiently and equitably utilize the resources of the country for the well-being of Nigerians!
Zone Poetica
(TO THE NINE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS; {NYSC}, WHO WERE VICTIMS OF POST- ELECTION VIOLENCE IN SOME PARTS OF NIGERIA, IN 2011. )
FOR NINE AND A HALF
For nine and a half
For less of self, more of country
On a tour of duty
Did they not become?
Signposts for the revival
Of stunted dreams, flailing hopes,
Stillborn aspirations,
In a land begging
For a dire re-awakening.
For nine and a half
Will they not become?
‘Super Citizens’
Models of unflinching patriotism
Holding up National bulwarks
By the strands of their
Beliefs, strengths and fears
For nine and a half
Will they not embark on quests?
In addition, seek conquests
Over enemies, within and without
Pressured by labours of heroes past
Burdened by the sure
Inquisitions from posterity.
For nine and a half
Do they not become?
‘Responsible Schemers’
Plotters and planners
Situating personal dreams and goals
In the maze of
National yearning and expectation
For nine and a half
They may be transformed
To proverbial beasts of burden
Turning canon fodders for critics of the scheme
Receiving restrained accolades
All the while comprehending their place
In the scheme of things?
FOR NINE AND A HALF
For nine and a half
For less of self, more of country
On a tour of duty
Did they not become?
Signposts for the revival
Of stunted dreams, flailing hopes,
Stillborn aspirations,
In a land begging
For a dire re-awakening.
For nine and a half
Will they not become?
‘Super Citizens’
Models of unflinching patriotism
Holding up National bulwarks
By the strands of their
Beliefs, strengths and fears
For nine and a half
Will they not embark on quests?
In addition, seek conquests
Over enemies, within and without
Pressured by labours of heroes past
Burdened by the sure
Inquisitions from posterity.
For nine and a half
Do they not become?
‘Responsible Schemers’
Plotters and planners
Situating personal dreams and goals
In the maze of
National yearning and expectation
For nine and a half
They may be transformed
To proverbial beasts of burden
Turning canon fodders for critics of the scheme
Receiving restrained accolades
All the while comprehending their place
In the scheme of things?
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