Dear Father: what is the cost of your love?
“My father called me” Khadijat blurted out as I picked her call “Which father? I was confused “Alhaji”
#iwd2025: tackling the shame & stigma of a single mother
“When I got pregnant, everything changed. Especially within my family. The disappointment was too heavy. I had gone from the
the single parent and the other gender child
Holding my son’s crotch in my hands, I gingerly tilted it allways as I
how Fela’s suffering and smiling defines the African woman
“See, immediately we leave, take that Oramorph so you can sleep easily” Jay sounded more African than British right now
of racism and our red milk of human kindness.
“How is your knee today?” The elderly man [whom I will name baba] asked him “Better, it’s less painful.” Young replied cheerily “Oh, you remembered. Thank you for asking” I said to baba as the minus-1-degree icy cold shook my body mercilessly. “Yes, he was limping the other day and could barely walk” baba responded […]
i can take care of myself without you
“How are you enjoying your Lunch privilege?” “Good” he responded “So which friend did you nominate?” “Jack” I supported myself by the kitchen door frame as I watched him pack snacks for School. His latest award was an Early Lunch Pass. To be shared with a buddy. That was an exciting one for him as […]
cancer missed this birthday
“Amara are you crying?” “No, you are not” I shifted under the Comforter in bed. Sniffling. “What is it?” “Why are you crying now when you are almost drifting off to sleep? I sat upright as the strains of a song filtered into my room from the hallway. ‘God You’re So Good’ A Duet by […]
punish me now
“I am sorry, I did not mean to” He stood by the door of my room pleading again “Go away please. Leave my room” I responded calmly “I was trying to pick it up and….” “Young man, just go. Have you finished the mopping? “Yes. It was an accident” “Go. it is not a big […]