Birthday Reflections

A day like this always calls for the utmost reflection

A day to be glad, but also a day to ask: why am I glad?

30 years ago, at dusk, I was born

It was the beginning of a journey no one could tell the outcome

For long others lead, I followed

I fumbled, tumbled, fell and failed

But somehow it never spelt the end for me or of me

“From grass to grace” some might want to say

Instead I prefer to think there is no grace without those who showed me the way through the grass.

They say “age ain’t nothing but numbers”

But it is the perfect measure of time,

Time to sow, time to reap, but not time to waste.

I have spent nearly 262, 968 hours since the day of my arrival on earth

It is a generous gift, and I feel blessed

I also feel strong

Many people have died for what they believe, but I am yet to live for it

I look up to the heavens today and ask the Almighty to continue to grant me more hours

And more wisdom to live them in Great deeds.

Filling My Portion

This trouble of the heart
I seek for a means to pour it out
At least that I may take a first look at it from a distance
I need to put a face to it
Indeed a name - not my name
It's been long now
And I really have to say goodbye

Farewell to a friend who was always an enemy
Farewell to the walls that threaten my ascent
Farewell to the concepts that weaken my courage

I shiver as if I am cold
I tremble at the thought of another day
Again, I kid myself it will be a lovely day
Yet, 'am not too eager to greet the sun

But courage would prevail
In the midst of these fears I will match on
For indeed there are no better options
As long as my body serves as a passage for the morning air
And a vessel for the sun and rain
I will sing with the birds
With as ugly as a coarse voice
I will join the chorus

Things I worry about are only meant for the dead
So why am I not living?
Everyday yields a night, only to unveil a morning
A new freshness
That much I know from the queen of the night, the lilies and roses

Now I hear the birds again
But I should not listen to them for too long
For our destinies are diverse
And it's about time I set out in action
To fill my portion of the blank spaces.


Lagos 22/10/2010