On Happenstance, Happening, and Reoccurrence
There is a trauma
That takes full advantage of our malleability...
Poking, prodding, kneading, and nudging
The very substance of our being,
Until we feel we are at breaking point;
But ultimately half redeeming itself in an unexpected
Teaching-cum-learning of invaluable life lessons.
Sadly, Nigerians are also “over-familiar” with a peculiar shock to the system
One which mimics a scalpel’s precision in cutting to the bone
Stripping layers of skin and flesh so expertly a startled surgeon might unwittingly take notes
Perhaps even reluctantly applaud the dastardly piercing of a knife
Undoubtedly hell-bent on destruction.
Many of us have experienced both.
And even though today’s
Motivational
Influential
Temple-of-Me communicators
Gladly embrace such ordeals
Waxing lyrical about the eventual benefits of the former...
Then shooting barbed warnings whilst shamelessly relaying self-help titbits to soothe and calm
Like the rat that gnaws at your unwashed finger tips only to numb the pain
With its own bespoke anaesthetic when glossing over the latter...
I ‘m loathe to dwell on either.
Hesitantly point out the major difficulties? Yes.
Reminisce? No.
Nor wish my loved ones (or even enemies)
Pummelled and oppressed in such a manner.
In truth, we regress each time we utter the part pensive, part joking
“Nigeria happens”.
It doesn’t.
We just happily shrug the sheer futility of it all off permanently bowed shoulders.
Common stance has replaced common sense in our offhand analogy
Of the darkly diminished existence of a county’s lifeblood.
It is we the people who are its raison d'être.
No us, no it.
Those who rule with such disdain
And total disregard for life
Be it
1 or 276
49 or 3
15 or 1
At checkpoints and toll gates, schools or motor parks, highways or bedrooms
Wasting lives they have not formed -
Could not in their wildest drunken dreams create -
Might want to pause, readjust bespoke blinkers, and carefully take stock of their
Miscalculations
Misnomers
Misdeeds
MIS-everything.
Because there comes a time when subjugated subjects
Willing or otherwise
Having constantly and consistently suffered these indignities
Begin to listen with more than eager ears and half a brain.
They’ll think twice about who they platform, vote for, and follow.
Instead - however reluctantly - share the blame for any mismanagement
Thus ensuring such atrocities do not easily recur
And are especially never again glossed over.
Here’s hoping.
Here’s praying.
Here’s to intentionality