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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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Reputably Drenched!


It was going to be a
rainy day in June. Chioma's interview had been slated for 9am as stated in the text message she had received the previous day. She had applied for the position of a Customer Service Officer online, in a Reputable Globally Known Company. With raised hopes, official killer outfit, rehearsed poise, and the Lord's Prayer keeping her almost calm throughout the bumpy drive, Chioma headed for the interview. After following the directions given to her, she still couldn't locate the company; she refused to, even though it stared her in the face like an angry mob. It was a kiosk-like room opposite the street's waste centre. After much consideration, she decided to go in. She was there already and had nothing else to lose but time.
"Good morning. May I ask if this is T&G Solutions?"
She was dead deep inside now when the scrawny looking receptionist answered "yes" to her question, and was led into a dingy space demarcated from the reception area by a slim curtain.
"Welcome to T&G Solutions. Please sit. May I see your CV...? Ok, impressive but are you sure you can do this job? Your duty is to assist me in the selling of our product..."

Chioma had ended the interview with the expression "God forbid!" She watched it on the comedy TV series The Johnsons but she was never going to be a T&G Bitters seller. She was more bitter now than the product itself. "They just had to lie! With such a ghen ghen website filled with big big grammar, all na wayo." She replaced her previous prayers with curses as she left the room; thunder from the gym, Sango's fire and God's punishment on T&G Solutions, whatever that meant. Chioma could not take the last bus to her street for no conductor was sympathetic enough to accept her hideous hundred naira note. She walked home in a drenched state, accepting that it really never rained but poured.

A SHARED EXPERIENCE  

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