A Promise

She asked me to make a promise, and this was my reply.

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Beyond Silence

Dedicated to my dear friend, Na’ima B Robert.

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Smothered

You accept the bruises
because it’s better you than them.
You don’t fight back with threats
because it’s better you than them.
You smile with a clenched jaw and fists
because they have to see you smile.
And you don’t want to walk away
because it’s all about them, not you.

But look yourself head-on
and see what it’s done to you.
They’re not better off like this
because it’s about them and you.
They hear your sobs when the blows die
and know that you’re dying too.
How can you protect them
when there’s nothing left of you?

© LaYinka Sanni, November 2014

Smile.

Smile.
And allow memories of joys gone by
to tickle your belly.
Don’t be afraid to laugh.
The shadow cast across your today
may very well shift tomorrow.
Look up.
The sky is a testimony that things
don’t have to remain the same.
Liberate change.
Ignite life into your toes
and get your feet moving.
Shake out the sadness.
You told yourself there wouldn’t be a today
and here you are.
Remember to smile.
And let laughter tickle warmth
into your bones.
Sway to the tingle of your laughter,
and watch how the tips of your fingers
will be coloured with life once again.
Smile.

© LaYinka Sanni, October 2014.