05 Aug What I was not [II]
It’s funny how If’anachọ appeared that year I got to know myself. With a direct gaze, hands held out, palms facing upwards, clean and empty, I was tempted, heavily tempted but three thoughts dropped into my mind, kpọm, kpọm, kpọm, as heavy and loud as the rocks Somto drops into the overflowing stream to dam it.
Thought One: Did I need If’anachọ?
Thought Two: Really need him?
Thought Three: Was I incomplete unless I had him?
To all three thoughts and questions, my answer was no.
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“You know my name means ‘that which we/they are looking for/seeking’ ” He carried on gazing directly into my eyes.
I allowed a ghost of a smile to travel across my lips in reply.
His direct gaze remained on me a little longer, steady and unblinking, in expectation of a reply.
He got none.
This was me.
Nkemji-ka – ‘the one I have is greater’.
+++
Why I failed to embrace my name before now, I am yet to know.
Why I allowed myself to dance in the shadows, be a polished trophy and wait for other people’s failures, I am yet to understand.
Be that as it may, if If’anachọ thinks he is what they or we are seeking then he needs to go find where the seekers are. I will not adjust myself for him to fit in. I will not twist, bend or fold, just so that I can create a space for him. If he really thinks he is indeed what ‘they/we’ are looking for, let him bend, twist, fold, contort even and fit himself to me… if he can find the space.
+++
I may not have known myself; embraced my name previously, but now I have.
I am no longer looking but if looking finds me and finds space in me, so be it.
Adaeze
Posted at 10:52h, 05 AugustPoetry!
Funny thing is after contorting yourself to let the person in, that person will still leave.
I learned that the hard way.
I’m with you on this!
Obisco1
Posted at 11:01h, 05 AugustTrust me. If a person cannot accept you the way you are, forget it! They are just using you to pass time until they find what they really want…then off they go!
Adaeze
Posted at 12:12h, 05 AugustGbam! All that effort wasted!
Ego
Posted at 11:31h, 05 AugustDon’t stunt your growth for anyone!
Obisco1
Posted at 11:55h, 05 AugustAbsolutely!!!
Kachi
Posted at 13:30h, 05 AugustShort, but delicious. Like a stick of short bread.
Heluurrr!!
Obisco1
Posted at 13:37h, 05 AugustHeluurr yourself!!!?
Long time no see.
You good?
Kachi
Posted at 00:07h, 06 AugustBeen good.
Obisco1
Posted at 10:50h, 06 August???
SpeakNoEvil
Posted at 14:49h, 05 AugustI must apologize for my long absence. Life happened? I have never understood people’s belief that I change myself to accommodate them. I have neither the time nor patience for that, so I always end up being accused of narcissism. My default setting is self-preservation. Shikena.
Obisco1
Posted at 15:37h, 05 AugustLucky you!
A lot of us had to learn it na nka! (‘old age’)?
But seriously, it’s what we’re taught; overtly and sublimely. It takes something inside of you to say “thus far and no more!”.
No apologies needed.?
Nno, and thanks for stopping by.
chidionyeagba
Posted at 11:20h, 06 AugustHello dear. I am also guilty of abscencism. Obisco, nnukwu ada, gbaghara.
Love this your piece. Came at the right time, been trying to make some decisions and have been wondering if im not being unreasonable.
Thank you dear
Obisco1
Posted at 12:51h, 06 AugustYou are most welcome.
Nwanne di na mba.
chidionyeagba
Posted at 11:23h, 06 AugustBy the way, I don’t understand why I don’t see your new posts in my reader. Im going to shoot wordpress. But I have unfollowed & refollowed you again. Hope it reboots the system