FEATURED PIECE OF THE MAIDEN ANTHOLOGY

When I look at the mirror, I should see a body carved with shards of beauty. I should feel my heart pumping strongly with the beats of talking drums. My bones should be dry as the Sahara, strong like that of a warrior.

But I have walked through the coals of my grandmother’s proverbs and my life has become a paradise of scars. Now, my body looks like a broken China, sweltering in the sun. The doctor said I have AIDS, so my heart doesn’t beat as it should. It just gives a low whistle. My grandmother always said, “any sheep wey walk with dog go turn to dog”, that is, you are very likely to take on the traits and characters of whoever you walk with. That was the proverb that sung the hymn of my youthful troubles.

Kike, the club-lover, extended her friendship to me and I grabbed with ecstasy. I gave the street a handshake and it drew me into a hug of vices. My grandmother told me to be careful. She said she didn’t want me to end up like my mom – broken, used and single. She said it was hard to have a fresh beginning after wasting your youthful years. But I didn’t listen.

I wish I could catch the clock by surprise and freeze time. I wish I could have my body back. I wish I could have more than wishes, now!

 

Overcomer Ibiteye is a Nigerian poet, writer and an alumnus of the SprinNG Writing Fellowship. Her works have appeared in the Litfest anthology, Xpressit anthology, Shuzia magazine and on the TVO literary website.