YOUTHFUL AIM

Umbilical Branch; Saving the youth.

There were five of us who grew up in the same neighborhood people said our births were divinely orchestrated for love we shared love like children from the same umbilical branch. We shared our thoughts and every dream. Our families weren't too wealthy either. We would most times go help our mothers trade in the market. To enable them make great sales. We saw that part, yes that part of life where the desire to meet every days struggle was our aim. I prayed that I would be a great lawyer to help our neighborhood The other girls had their yet unfulfilled dreams and aspirations. Just within a little span of years, Grace's aunt came down from the west with the aim of training Grace at the school they had there. We cried the sisterly cries and gave her our pieces of advice, then she left for greener pastures.

For the problems indigent living cost us, we have no means to contact Grace. Amara met a foolish old man who lives three blocks. Well, there is no news other than the fact that the old man got her pregnant from here usual hawking exercises. Did I say the man was blind in one eye? Well, he was actually a one eyed foolish old man who knew nothing but  ladies skirt's. I don't blame him much; since Amara had chosen to open  her legs for his seed, who then was I to tell her to abate the already produced Fruit. That was just how Amara got entwined maritally to the old one eyed.

On one of the occasions, Chioma and myself had gone to hawk oranges that were peeled by our mothers. We got to a lone street. Distracted by Chioma's  wonderful well crafted gist, we lost every bit of caution. We paid no attention to the lion's territory which we had just walked into. We were both called into their house to render sales. Within seconds, the men grabbed us into the large house. Our trays of oranges had fallen from our heads with our oranges scattered all over the place. My eyes were tied. I was in a dark room. I saw nothing. Perceived nothing. I only heard sounds of tears which belonged to Chioma. Her tears were flowing from her dry throat. Then I started to scream; asking them to leave her alone and stop hurting her. I could not tell what brought the tears but I felt something evil had befallen

us. Who would know we came her only to hawk our lives. Just then I heard his voice saying

"It's done", " bring out the other one". Cold chills ran down my spine. My heart raced skipping beats. My young body shivered. I could hear my own fearful breathes. My fingers trembled.

I touched my legs only to discover they were tied together with a strong rope. Cold from abyss had befallen me. Fear!!! Hot tears kept rolling down my cheeks uncontrollably. Am I doomed? The door handle creaked. The hinges gave way. The door knob slowly turned without making any sound. Then I heard him say come out quickly. Run for your life. Do not look back. Never come back. The spirit of your friend beckoned to me to rescue you. Where is Chioma? I asked, she is the new guest in our land. The land. Yes! Land of those forcefully .

I ran. I was lost. I was in a lone road. My race never stopped. I saw a young boy with a Barrow. I pleaded with him to carry me in it to the main road. Seeing my feet were bleeding. He aided me. I got to that junction of life and death. Then I ran like a wind in a chase. I got to the gate of my house. My mama saw me and rushed saying they have been searching for me for seven days. Tears rolled down my mama's cheeks. I saw Chioma's mother rush towards me asking after Chioma. My spirit left my body. She, Chioma was gone for life.

That day I saw them come into the street seeking for youths, the notion behind the search for the youths were far beyond my knowledge. Our sisterly world was broken with only Oge and myself hanging strongly unto the umbilical branch. Our time of mourning was finally over. It was just the two of us. The men approached us asking us various future-revealing questions. During the interviews conducted by the men who had come into our street, I was asked; “who would you want to become after now”? then answer came; I would want to become a lawyer, to fight for the streets rights, seek for the people who killed Chioma my friend and bring them to justice…I didn’t know how long I had sobbed until he said, we will help this one. The interview was over. The man who had interviewed me followed me home to meet with my parents that evening. I did not know what they had discussed. All I could fathom was the outcome for I was told to go and pack my belongings. I shared few good bye moments with my parents and then I left with him. Unfortunately, I couldn’t bid Oge farewell because there wasn’t time for that.

My lifes’ journey had officially started. I had been enrolled in this school. Everything was different and so new to me. But I was determined to attain my goals. My perspectives had changed. My training was not so smooth yet I learned even harder and better. I was awesome. My handler, Mr. Martins had me going. I was fast. I was sound. The world of academics was highly favourable to me. After my years of unstoppable training, I was called and enrolled into the countrys’ Bar Association. I was ready. Ready to face the odds of life.

I was back to the streets to find Oge but she's was no more. The story said Oge (the deceased) had accepted  the proposal of the leader  of the worst gang in the streets. After a deadly operation  that took the lives of the gang members, Oge herself  didn't  survive  the shots that came upon her  at the night of the blood gush.  I was alone again  but this time,  I swore to aid every youth in the streets. Many enrolled in different  disciplines  while the rest learnt different facets of trade.  The streets; no my streets were no longer known by the  terrible deeds the youths did. The upcoming  generation  are successors of us, our positivity  and our  workings. 

So I thought to myself, if Grace never left for greener pastures, if Amara never married  the one eyed old man, If Chioma and I never went hawking on that day she would  have still been alive, If I hadn't met with the interviewers, if I never studied  Law,  if Oge never got into that relationship that claimed her life, she would have still been alive. The  ifs  still counts but  the streets might never remember that I was one amongst the umbilical branch. The tree which  housed the umbilical branch has fallen. Struggle begets gain I must say. 

***Precious Eminent ***

Thank you for taking your time to read this piece, hope you enjoyed it and was able to learn something from it.  Don't forget to drop your comments and suggestions.  See you next week Wednesday. Have a lovely week.......

KIND

She stared at her reflection in the mirror. She was the perfect image of a President's daughter. The green dress she wore accentuated her curves and did nothing to spare any onlooker from the glory her body held. Yes... She was Sheila Moses. Only daughter to President Ota Moses. Her mother died when she was a baby but she had inherited her beautiful genes. She had the world at her feet and could ask for nothing more. Even as she descended the stairs. One small step at a time. She knew she had it all. 

The party was of course one of the weekly events that held once a week at the presidential villa for all the important guests of the federation and the cream of the crop of the country. Amongst them was Daniel Mensah only son of Alhaji Mensah. Owner of M and M conglomerate. He was wealthy by all standards and already was bethrothed to Sheila. " If only I had a choice" he thought to himself. This decision had been made before their birth and without their consent as the president and his father were childhood friends.. 

" who are you thinking about Daniel" Sheila at that moment came to sit beside him. She was jealous of his thoughts as they seemed more serious than he ever took her. She hoped it wasn't another girl though.

She would kill her for daring to steal into his thoughts.. Daniel oblivious to the murderous thoughts running through her mind snapped out of his thoughts " Oh Sheila, it's nice to see you. You look beautiful" even as he noticed how revealing the dress was and how it did nothing to make her decent. "it's all for your benefit darling, our wedding is next year and you know I want you to be happy" she replied in that high pitched voice he hated.  It sounded like a thousand bees buzzing in his ear.  

"Madam here are the drinks you requested " Sonia her personal maid said at that moment.  "How dare you intrude " next came the thunderous slap.  "how many times have I told you never to come close to Daniel and I whenever we are having a conversation" Sheila shrieked. The poor girl scampered away holding her cheek while tears streamed unobstructed down her cheeks. 

"How could you do that to the poor girl, why are you so mean?" Daniel queried. He often watched her harass the poor girl unnecessarily and thought it wrong. She just wouldn't stop. Obviously she was a spoilt brat. " You have no right to ask me that Daniel she's mine to do as I please. Now get out. You have overstayed your welcome."

 So you get the picture. Sheila a spoilt brat bethrothed to Daniel a disciplined man. Daniel had no peace as he always dreamed of a happy marriage and a happy life. It all continued this way until Sheila got sick. She was taken to the best hospital and it was discovered that she had cancer. It had affected her eyes and left her unable to see. 

Everyone mocked her. She had been rude and wicked to a lot of people and so didn't have any friends. Even her closest friends left her as they could not be associated with an handicap.  Only Sonia stayed by her side and helped her through her trying times. She learned humility the hard way. She learned that everyone was to be respected and helped. 

She had no way to atone for everything she had done in the past but she tried to make the present better. She discovered she was wrong in her approach to life and found out she enjoyed this new life of giving more than anything else. She visited orphans, helped widows and was kind to everyone.. Word spread that she had changed and she got goodwill messages from people all over the country. 

By mutual agreement she didn't get married to Daniel as she felt she didn't love him and wanted to find love unhindered. 

Daniel fell in love with Sonia her maid. And after much convincing of his father married her. 

You might have everything at your disposal and feel it's okay to make other people sad or use your power to trample upon people in lesser positions than you are as a lot of people do. It's not right and doesn't make anyone happy at all. Let's try this year to be kind to everyone.  And treat everyone you meet as you would love to be treated.. 

Sheila fell in love and married her doctor. She's currently the owner of so many non governmental organizations and spearheads a lot of projects to help the less privileged. 
.....By Ayegba Ene 

Thank you for taking your time to visit and read this piece,hope you found it interesting, motivating and educative.  Don't forget to drop your comments and suggestions. 

Everybody Talks

Ayo was a young man who by all inclination would be successful. At least, that was what people believed. He graduated from the university at the age of 19, served his country immediately after school and from then sought to get employed in one of the biggest companies in town. Everybody expected same. But everybody did not get to see what they looked forward to. For starters, Ayo did not immediately get a job. As a matter of fact, he was now three years out of school and still without a job, even as a 'bright' young man. This made everybody wonder; what could be wrong, are village people at it this time, eiya, oma se o oh.

Tade, another young man too was never seen as the bright one. He was always behind on stuff. Education was not one of his strong points, so he dropped out. He had to work as a carpenter. Luckily for him, his hands were blessed, as people really loved his work and made recommendations to people on his behalf. 'Ah, olowo ni Tade oh, omo wa niyen', everybody said. They all of a sudden accorded him respect because he had become successful even though he was not bright, did not finish basic education. Ayo still wandered about, looking for how to make a living for himself. In recent times, people called him a 'failure'. Everybody looked at him scornfully, sometimes with pity.

Somebody once said, fear those who are so fast with what they do. Fear for them. That is the story of Ayo. Even though everybody hauled his quickness as a child, he was still not looked at, even after his academic successes because of money. If Ayo took all that people said to his heart, he may have decided to steal, or maybe seek wealth by ritual means. I do not know if he did. That's not important. What is important is that we ignore the thoughts of people, their compliments, their scorn. Just ignore. Nobody is in competition with nobody, so we should not take things that people say,serious. You may be Ayo, you may be Tade. Whichever is the case,know who you are. Do not be fooled by the lovely words thrown at you by humans, because the people who praise you today may stone you tomorrow. You should endeavour to be less bothered about what people are saying as long as you are convinced that you on the right part.  Que Sera Sera.  What will be will be.  Make this your New Year Resolution.........By Ezeala Confidence 

Thank you for taking your time to read this. Don't forget to drop your comments and suggestions.  See you next time. 

FRIENDS

STORY ONE
I wish I had never met Kelly. I curse the day I set my eyes on her. These were the words of Mary in her sick bed. Picture of her past life became vivid in her mind; her notorious & inglorious friendship with Kelly who introduced her & urged her into all sorts of shameful lifestyles all in the name of freedom & campus enjoyment.
Kelly’s sweet tongues had led her gradually deeper & deeper into the cursed river of Vanity as their friendship deepens. Mary initially was a good girl from a Christian background & was bought up properly her parents, but her friendship with Kelly destroyed; starting with her little prod to have sex with her boyfriend all in the name of love, to constant nightclubbing; irregular attendance to class just to mention a few. She cannot remember the number of men she had slept with nor the numbers of abortions she has carried out. What seemed so pleasurable & good an ultimate enjoyment and freedom in campus has left her empty , now she cannot conceive again because her womb has been destroyed ; worse still she is HIV positive.
All her dreams of becoming a lawyer had been shattered. “ Kelly may your soul be damned in hell” she muttered as she committed suicide. If Mary had known she wouldn’t have been friends with Kelly. “ had I known I would have not listened  to Kelly”

STORY TWO
Victor looked at the board, tears rolled down his eyes “not again” he said to himself. He had had another F , altogether making it 4 F's he had had this semester out of 7 courses. His F's started to reduce the moment he became friends with Mike. Mike was a brilliant boy who was humble & ready to teach anybody that comes to him for assistance.
Victor’s friendship with Mike was like a dream come true for Victor. Mike was always teaching Victor after each lectures and during free periods, Mike was always forcing Victor to the library; even at night he would wake him up to read for at least 2hours before sleeping.
Victor started to see changes in his results. His Fs became reduced and his B's and C's increased. He really enjoyed his friendship with Mike. “ God bless Mike for becoming my friend & God bless the day we became friends”. This were the words Mike muttered as he checked his result in the board he which he had had a B.

Conclusion
According to the two stories, your friends can either make you or mar you. The consequences of bad friendship is that they will lead you to no good but destruction. Don’t just make friends with everybody, intact not everybody can be your friend, some should just remain as aquitances. Choose friends that that is able to influence your life positively “ before you ending up saying “ had I kniwn” like Mary.
I love all my friends because they have influenced me positively especially those reading this. Don’t forget to drop your Comments, Suggestions & Reply.
Always remember – DONT DO THING BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE DOING THEM, KEEP YOUR HEAD WHEN OTHERS ARE LOSING THIERS.

COULDA WOULDA SHOULDA

Would things have turned out differently if i had defied all odds and followed my dream? That unanswered question haunts me every night. The ghost of my past and the monster of my future.  As I write this, I feel hopeful that it would inspire someone not to leave their dream empty.

My name is Paul. I'm a medical doctor. I find it interesting to treat people and be a hero to many. But I'm really not as happy and satisfied with my life as most people would expect. I grew up in a family so strict that it provided no room for argument or refusal when the final authority  (my father) had spoken. His word was law and anyone who disagreed became a traitor and was treated with as much disdain as is possible at any given time. Punishments ranged from serious canning, to starvation and incisions.  My mother who would have intervened was very timid. She was easily intimidated and even got to bear the brunt of most of our actions. She ended up on the receiving end of all his anger since according to him we got all our bad behaviour from her. He already arranged our destinies. Mine and my two siblings.  Being the eldest, I was to be a doctor,  My sister a lawyer and my youngest brother an engineer.  We offered no argument even as he sounded it into our ears every passing day and pushed us to take all the classes we never wanted.

I watched with pain as my sister's musical inclinations were thwarted and my brother's painting abilities squashed. I loved to write. So i could easily disguise my writing as something medically related and not get caught. My sister and brother gave up their dreams to satisfy my father and escape the heart wrenching punishment that came with disobedience. Yes we excelled in our fields because even if we were pushed into it, we were also pushed to succeed if not for anything but to obtain our freedom.

My siblings and I were brought even closer because of the terrible childhood we had to endure. We had no friends, my father called them distractions.  We were more or less hermits, on exile by our own blood. Now that we've grown up, weve each followed our different paths. Though old habits die hard, my sister Ara sings and plays the guitar freely even if its just to keep her kids entertained and my brother's paintings just went on an exhibition.  I find it difficult to write most times because of the pain I feel each time I remember I could have been happier writing all my life. But i get a thrill from having someone get well from my help as a doctor. So i guess I have my dad to thank for that. I'm still trying to get along with my notepad.

It should not surprise you to say we were all relieved when my dad died. My childhood at least had a closure. My mother followed shortly after as she could not be without her backbone. My siblings and I gave them a proper send off. As we celebrated our revolution.
You might be wondering why we didn't do anything earlier, well blame it on our respect for our parents or you could blame it on our cowardice by  we still got good education and didn't lose out on our passions in the end.

As I write this I look at my own son, born to me 5 years ago by my  lovely wife. I wonder what his future holds. Definitely not anything like my bitter childhood or my painful experiences. I'll give an arm for him to do whatever makes him happy. Same goes for you reading this. You deserve to be happy. Follow your dreams,  your passions. You'll be happier. But then be wise. Count the costs and give it whatever it takes as you alone holds the key to your happiness. Well, I'm on call and my beeper just went off. A life needs to be saved in the hospital.

Thank you for reading. Don't forget to drop your comments and suggestions. Till we meet again next week. You deserve to be happy. Follow your dream, tour passions, you will be happier. But then be wise.

Character is Everything

I've been through a lot. I can't even begin to explain everything.  I was warned.  On several occasions,  I paid no heed. I thought I knew it all but how could I have known i was headed towards destruction 

  My name is Cindy. I'm  beautiful by all standards. I was always top of my class and no one could hold a candle to me. People complained about my pride and lack of manners. To me I was just a classy, educated girl who needed no advice from anyone. I never hesitates to give anyone that crossed my way a piece of my mind, I just say it 'as e dey hot' I saw myself as being candid. 

  "Please can you direct me to UBA? " A young lady asked me on a sunny afternoon.  I was desperately trying to get away from the Sun and to my class. It was a really annoying question to hear and I immediately fired back at her " sister, you are in the university.  Even if you are not a student and can't use your brain at least use your eyes" The light skinned lady stared cluelessly at me. Wondering what she said that deserved such rudeness. She obviously didn't know me and I was in no mood to enlighten her. " didn't you see the area allocated for banks on your way to this place from your obviously undiscovered village?" Her eyes wide in shock, she took several steps backwards and fled. I didn't bother thinking twice about her. I had a class to rush too. 

   I had few friends and they often complained.  They got fewer each day as they couldn't cope with my outspoken nature and attitude. I had one who stuck with me though.  Harriet.

Harriet never stopped warning me about my behaviour but she only got the success akin to one pouring water on a rock.. 

   How did I get to the point of no return.? What made me realize I had lived badly? When did the scales fall off my eyes?

" I'm sorry, we have no place for you In this organization anymore" I stood looking at him. Unaware of the tears that streamed down my face, my quivering lips or my look of pure rejection. For once, words failed me. The shocking statement was made by the managing director of the Firm I worked for. Contrary to what I'm sure you'd expect,  I finished school with a first class and got  a good job. No man wanted to have a long term relationship with Me. As a career woman, it didn't bother me. I couldn't hide my true personality in my place of work. I was a turn at. My underlings had nothing but hatred for me. To me it was pure jealousy.  My parents could hardly correct my behaviour. Of course I paid the bill's. Been doing so since my university days. I was comfortable by all measures. I'd risen to the top of my firm hoping to make senior partner In a few months.  

       " You are a really goodlooking young lady do you work here ?" I turned in the direction of the voice. Standing beside me in the elevator was an old man. White hair all over.  Dressed in a simple attire. I chose not to honour him with a reply. I didn't want him giving me any disease he was probably dying of. " young lady, did you not hear me? " he earnestly asked. " other people in the elevator who knew me were already making strange noises and giving me strange looks."Grandpa. I refused to answer you because i didn't want to waste my breath. But it seems you really need to be put In your place. You are Asking if i work here, let me inform you that I'm on my way to becoming a senior partner. What is wrong with you ok people who won't mind their business" Everyone gasped. Oblivious to the look of embarrassment and anger on the old man's face I continued. " Yes i know I'm good looking. Yes i work here. Kindly keep your mouth that has never seen a toothbrush closed to avoid passing on a disease you are possibly duping from. I know you are going to beg. Make sure you do not cross my floor.  Shameless old coot. " I stormed out of the elevator to my office. 

           And that's how I got summoned for a board meeting. Asking myself why I wasn't preinformed and thinking I'd be made partner at the meeting, I anticipated my crown of glory. As I got to the conference room. I saw all the staff present.  It was so surprising.  Everyone looked at me as I walked in, in amazement and jealousy I thought. All too soon I heard a strong  baritone voice I thought sounded too familiar.  It was the elevator man. " ..... she is therefore sacked and relieved of all benefits and duties" I couldn't believe it.  Mr Wright the founder of the Firm. He had travelled for over 10 years for research purposes.  I didn't recognize him, I didn't know him, I'd never met him before that day. I immediately fell to my knees . Begging was my last resort.  But he paid me no mind. Everyone jeered at me. Took pictures of my tears stricken face. 

  His voice resounded"Character is everything.  You spoke to me with so much disrespect. I was ashamed for your parents.  I can't allow you continue in this firm. Not even one single person here supported you. Kindly go home"

    Flashes of my past ran through my brain. Even as security ushered out. I had lost my job, my pride and security.  I was at point zero. Square one. I could do nothing more than agree 

to two things. One, Karma hit hard... two, character Is everything.

*Thank you for taking your time to read. Don't forget to drop your comments, feedbacks and suggestions. ONE LOVE*

*

The deaf ear and the Transformation.

At 7pm at the beer parlour, Mr. Ike Looking at the final green bottle on his table, its content was still full. He remembered the doctor's warnings about what alcohol does to aged men and boys; he remembered that his home is on fire because of his two grown up children that are graduates, he then decided to drink and forget his sorrows. He ordered for more and more bottles until he was tipsy. He knew his wife will suspect that he drank something, he staggered to his infinity jeep and left for home.

At home, his wife kept on nagging and complaining about how his children took over from him: because he never leaves his enemy alone without abusive words or fight in his youthful days.

"The two grown up children of yours are behaving like you; they  fought today because they were competing who will use the gas cooker first, and you are here drinking? Foolish man. What sort of example are you teaching them?" she shouted.

"I will talk to them tomorrow, right now, woman, I need to sleep" he replied; climbed to his bed and slept off leaving the food prepared for him untouched.

At midnight, Mr. Ike rushed out from his room and went to where his wife and his 26 yr old daughter was.

"Mama Obi, I don't know what's happening to me. Something is blocking my heart from beating. Please go and boil hot water for me"

"I will!! I will!!" Mrs Ike said shaking, she made her way to the kitchen immediately.

Joan started pressing his father's chest and was doing mouth to mouth resuscitation. Mr. Ike was supporting his back on the sofa at the sitting room as her daughter kept on trying to bring him back to life.

"Mama Obi! Please be fast; I am dying oo." He uttered using his last strength.
Mrs Ike brought the hot water and gave it to him to drink. He drank it and told her to get something else, because something is coming up to his mouth. Mrs Ike brought a blackish substance called "gbogbomise" and a cup filled with red oil; she opened his mouth and poured in the mixture of both substances. Mr. Ike began to gasp for breath desperately. His pupils began to roll up gradually. He tried to catch his breath but he couldn't any longer. He gave up and was lifeless. White foams began to come out from his mouth and both ears. Mrs. Ike and her daughter shouted to the wake of the other tenants in the compound. Obi woke up from his slumber and went to the sitting room. Afterwards, he called his brother who slept with earpiece on and told him that their father has died.
One of the tenants volunteered to take Mr. Ike to the hospital in his Siena, he was pronounced dead afterwards.

Mrs. Ike couldn't be controlled as she wept. When she was cool afterwards, amidst consolations and words of courage, she granted the permission for an autopsy to be carried out on the deceased.

"He died of heart attack, that is, cardiac arrest." Femi, Mr. Ike's doctor said after glancing at the autopsy report.

"I warned him but he won't listen. The mixture you gave to him helped to block his lungs the more. I hope you will advise your sons to desist from green bottles now and drink water only. It may interest you to know that water stops High BP, it flushes our system and does other things we can't imagine." Femi added.

"Thank you doctor, I will do as you said, so that another death won't occur again. My prayer now is for his soul to rest in peace, amen."

"Okay Madam. I am really sorry for your loss. Accept my condolences"

"Thank you doctor"