Reawakening The Mind

I recently came across a post on Instagram detailing the history and origin of amala* and abula*. The poster stated exact dates and names and my first thought was that of doubt and disbelief; but then, I caught myself and stopped the thoughts in their track. I moved to the comment section and sadly saw…

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When Is Now?

It's another International Women's Day and I find myself reflecting on a few things. Foremost on my mind is the recent controversial presidential elections in Nigeria. The candidate who was declared winner, is now the president-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; a candidate whose age is debatable but in the area of 70 to 85. During…

Oh What Pain…

Sensitive content - this post contains the topic of suicide You know how algorithms on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram work right? Even if you aren't sure how they work, you probably have some understanding of them and if not, you've probably had moments where you've been terribly upset by them. Moments…

‘Untitled’ | Poem

Looking through old notes, I found this poem I wrote almost exactly 12 years ago and thought I'd share 😎. As I read it now, I wonder what was going through my mind when I wrote it. What's your interpretation of this poem? Climbing high up in trees Racing very fast on horseback, Feeling all…

Letter To Me – 365

I live on the 8th floor and this new year, I experienced the most extraordinary kaleidoscope of colours! It was absolutely brilliant. I'm not the biggest fan of fireworks - they're too loud and can be dangerous - and I'll admit I was unimpressed by the display at the beginning of the night. But it…

The Illusion is Shattered; What Next?

I’m conducting an experiment that’s making me uncomfortable and forcing me to mentally fight against all of the conscious and unconscious biases that have been thrown at me all my life. Biases based on my race, gender, economic status and identity as an African. A little backstory: this all started when I painfully accepted a…

It’s Another Day

She's spiralling again. And yes, she's entirely still Her body is in one position, while her mind goes a mile a minute She hears them call themselves stupid and tears fill her eyes as she turns towards the demeaning voices, and with the most profound conviction says, 'never, never call yourself stupid!' She explains how…

Let’s Pretend

Let's pretend the sun will rise tomorrow Let's pretend we're content Let's pretend winter will end and spring will come Let's pretend we're happy * Let's pretend the clouds will eventually move away Let's pretend we love getting up in the morning Let's pretend because we all pretend Let's pretend you pretend and I do…

My Name Is Ọrẹ

My name is Ọrẹ and no, I do not shorten it to make you comfortable I certainly do not shorten it to make it easier to pronounce And I most certainly do not shorten it because I hate the full form I could introduce myself as a dozen things and I have 4 different legal…

The Secret That Can’t Be Told

There's a secret that can't be told. Sounds silly, I know. Why would it be a secret if it could be told, you may wonder. But I'm serious, this secret can't be told. Ever. Never. Like wind brushing through tree branches, like a hearty laugh on sea waves, like you, like me There are things…