Listen
I performed this at The Lemon Curd, a Lucid Lemons event in Lagos. This is the written version, so that everyone can take it in at their own pace, and in their own way. Enjoy.
-SET
Our Father who art in Heaven, I wish you would look down and tell me what you see.
I’m in an abusive relationship with the nation I proudly call home.
A nation where Your hallowed name rings hollow as so called men of God call upon it in vain to line their pockets. Broken souls scrounge for enough cash to purchase a blessing in the offering basket. Listen closely, you can hear the pastor licking his lips.
A nation where we cry out for our slice of daily bread, while led by those who gorge themselves on loaves of impunity. The curses against their names are competing with the rumbling of stomachs. Listen closely, they sound the same.
A nation where our sins are not equal. The poor man gets caught stealing to feed his young daughter and is in jail until she’s a woman with faded memories of him. The rich man gets caught stealing to feed himself a million times over, waves his hand, poof, the charges disappear. Listen closely, his colleagues applaud his skill.
A nation where every meal could be the last supper and mothers cry over slain sons because funds meant for guns to arm her child were stolen by a man with no conscience but three mansions and a void in his chest. Do not listen closely, her screams will haunt you.
Sometimes I am tempted to think that You’ve abandoned us, but then I see You.
In the smile of a child enjoying ice cream under the heat of the ever present sun.
In the steps of two students in love, their fingers interlocked, a silent commitment to forever.
In the eyes of my father when he speaks of old glories, a childhood fondly remembered.
In the strength of a mother that labors all day, selling tomatoes in the marketplace only to return home to labor until she sleeps.
And I listen closely, to the things unsaid by my neighbor who frankly might not love me or himself. I listen because in the midst of the madness there are cries for help and there are tears of joy. Lies sold by the leader, Satan sliding in his sentence. False prophets preaching penance and sweet souls begging for repentance. It is all around us. They told me, God is all around us.
Are you listening?
