"A jewel is never more brilliant, than after it has gone through the fire in which it is shaped and formed." Chioma Onwudiwe
I use to cry out to heaven, about my persecutions and trials. But now I could be found apologizing, as I seek plea bargains (smiling). One of the most liberating moments of my life, was when I recognized a certain sound. A voice that had pursued and plagued me, for most of my life. It was not the only voice (I have since classified most), but it was the most angry, urgent and insecure. Here is an 'aha' moment episode below.
I was at a meeting some years back, when two women walked up to me. They asked, if they could talk to me and I acquiesced. They started out the conversation, with the phrase; "You are too tall!" I thought that was a bit accusatory and harsh, because if I had said you are 'too short' or 'too fat' or whatever. I would have been termed offensive. Nevertheless, I ignored the slight and listened. They wanted to advice me, not to wear high-heels. Simply because it seemed ridiculous, that someone as tall as I was would wear one.
I informed them, that I wore pretty shoes that I liked and that fit me. Not to alter my
stature or be someone else. They snickered and said the advice, was for my own good and I did well to heed it. I felt a little hurt at the brashness, but resolved to heed the unsolicited counsel anyhow. Come the following week, at the same meeting and place. As I struggled to stand-up straight, in my boat-shaped flat shoes. Two women hurdled to my row, also struggling to walk in what appeared to look like stilts. They stood right next to me, tipping forward every time someone expelled air.
I turned and saw my two admonishers, from the previous week. They both stood in dangerously high platform shoes and turned to survey my head. After recovering from the shock of the sight, of their potentially back breaking risk. I caught on and shook my head. The smug look on their faces disappeared, when they realized. That even in my newly acquired and ugly flats. I was made to soar!
The following (brand new) Sonnet, was recently inspired. And now is dedicated to every voice, that believes it is for me. But inherently, struggles to hide the real reason it must speak.
Say What?! An English Sonnet by Chioma Onwudiwe/2017
There you sit now, quite safe, sure and well fed
Unhindered, unbothered in your life’s quest
From onset you leap like a thorough bred
Over walls that hinder and slow the rest
The gain is good when it applies to you
It is permitted if it goes your way
You have secured a sect with what you do
What else can this often attacked girl say
Here is a simple fact that you should know
I always prefer to do and speak well
Try again to choke and keep this lamb low
When the lion will appear, you cannot tell
Girl bears some marks you can only dream off
So find somewhere else to stick that sly bluff
