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IF WISDOM HAD A SMELL (A POEM)

If wisdom had a smell It would smell of old books Passed down from generation to generation Revealing the truths about the enigma called time. The truths which cannot be purchased Even by the highest bidder. That smell that unveils the arduous work of writers Known and unknown. That smell that reveals family trees of readers Seen and unseen. That smell that conquers ignorance Once knowledge is sought. If wisdom had a smell It would smell like an old, well-read copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin Revealing the evil behind the thoughts and actions of slavery. That smell that encompasses sacrifice. That smell that brings words and characters to life. That smell that raises positive movements that will In time, save humankind. If wisdom had a smell It would smell of old wrappers Worn by mothers and even fathers, Instinctively used to wipe the tears Of their children away, Used with love to cover them from the rain or sun. Oh, the smell of that long piece of fabric With drawings of horses, stars,...
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SCHOOL AND WORK ABROAD




I was weighing 43 at that time. It was not easy balancing school with work. But I needed money. The money my parents were sending was not covering up my needs. I needed a backup and that was why I took a job at an African restaurant, owned by a Nigerian couple back then in London. Jobs like this were reserved for students or for the undocumented. I could not babysit because the timing would clash with my class hours and that was why I settled with washing plates in this restaurant after classes. 

I had done this for a week and could notice my fingers fading away but I didn’t mind at all. All I pictured was my monthly pay.
The next week; on a Wednesday, after classes I resumed work as usual. I had washed the first round of plates and then I heard the voice of my boss (the wife) saying: “Favour, you will be the one pounding yam from today. It is part of your job description…” 

That voice echoed in my head and it still does till today. It echoed when I nodded in agreement, asked to use the restroom, went out through the back door, took the bus home and never returned there again. Sometimes I ask myself what those two were thinking. Were they really willing to ruin their business by asking an underweight student who hated cooking by the way, to pound yam every day except Sundays? 

 Today, I am glad I was bold enough to put my health first before my monetary needs. I am also glad that I felt sympathy enough to help save the couple’s business. That pounded yam would have been a disastrous phenomenon for everyone involved, especially the customers… I am done with my masters now. I hope to get a good job, one that I would not need to pound of course!
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Comments

  1. Unknown21 May 2019 at 02:49

    Very funny, but wait oo this slavery is everywhere. People taking advantage of vulnerable people in vulnerable situations

    ReplyDelete
  2. EMMAWAD8 July 2019 at 11:23

    hahaha... It's like it will never go away

    ReplyDelete

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