Style And Rhythm: Stories

They once told me stories and dazzled me with the wonders of the world.

With how they moved, and talked, and showed me some part of the world –

Imagination, fun and unending love.

It appeared so transparent who they are and the joy life and this world could be.

For all those who are not yet born,

Or children who have not begun to reason,

I pray the disappointments you will face

When far beyond the transparent veil you find despair, anger and sorrow;

When you discover that their stories of the world are wishes for what

It would be like,

And who they are and what the world is are quests to find wonders and happiness,

Trampling on whoever and whatever can prevent them from it,

Are not as painful as mine.

But if they are,

Take comfort in knowing someone has felt what you feel,

And knows your pain.

Adaudo Anyiam-Osigwe – From her book of poems – A Little Understanding: Poems from the End of Childhood to the Beginning of Adulthood