GUESS WHO? I JUST ATTRACTED A NEW READER

"Many of you will not pay your bills from a job that is related to what I teaching you in this class," Mr Iwuala said in his usual didactic tone during an Immunology class. He was my university lecturer in the Department of Public Health at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

It was my last year in school. A tiny voice within me whispered, "Jay, you are in this category."

How dare you? I swore under my breath during the same class. Every time I reflect on that moment, I just can't help laughing. Truly, I have not been so much involved in the health sector until lately when I started writing health articles to bring my 'prodigal self' closer to home.

This year, I promised myself to put my thoughts in prints and have people read them amidst giggles, anger, laughter and tears. So, I proceeded to have Ekwensu's Harvest in prints.

Have you read it?

Reviews and encomiums have been pouring in. I wouldn't lie that I have not been happy about that feat. However, I was most bothered about how to attract another reader into my fold of avid readers.

No, it's not Dangote, Otedola or Soyinka. It's my father.

I and my father have often had 'not-too-pleasurable' situations as a result of writing. He called it a 'waste of time.' After the publishing of Ekwensu's Harvest, I could not show him the work. I was not certain of what reaction I 'd get till last week.

I had made up my mind to give him a copy irrespective of what he thought.

I remember getting home and after roaming around the house for a while. I walked into the living room and met him burrowed in his newspaper.

"Dad!" I called out.

"Hmmmm!" There was a grunt. He hesitated then lifted his face to meet mine. I placed his copy into his palm and watched his face for a reaction.

His reaction was a shock, a sudden unexplainable calmness and then a smile when he looked at the author's name.

"When did you do this?" He enquired.

I responded. His smile still lingered.

It didn't end there for me. I wanted to know if the smile was superficial. So, I waited till morning to see if what the night had birthed was real.

The next morning was Sunday. I was getting set for church when I heard a knock on my door.

"Daddy, Good morning!"

"Uhumm! Kedu?" He said peering into my face for perhaps some kind of reaction. I figured out he had seen what he wanted. Our awkward silence most times speaks a lot of words.

"I am hoping to read your next book this year, okwa ya?"

I nodded. He smiled and one thing was sure that I had gotten the avid reader I wanted.

It is not in our place to force people to believe in us. When they don't, it is not their fault neither is it ours. Our fault lies in putting in the work to give them something to believe in even without being cajoled.

Share your thoughts about this piece with me in the comment section. I look forward to reading from you.

If you intend getting a copy of Ekwensu's Harvest

Click on the link below:

https://mailchi.mp/c034dcdf0a7e/jenniferifeatu

Or reach me via Whatsapp: +2348035725157

Email: andrewifeatuj@gmail.com

A letter from John

My bucket hat donned my head. It served the scorching sun right, my scalp was not one to be burnt for no offense. I relaxed my tired body against the board of the trawler. James yelled at me, "Don't just sit there and watch I and father. We will still catch some fishes, you can't just lose hope",he seemed to say. I peered at him through the corner of my eyes and closed them again. I felt cold water being sprinkled on me and I jerked up. It was father, I had no choice but stand up and join James.. I was not a man who wanted too many things. All I wanted was to catch some fishes yet the little things kept hiding and refusing to walk into the loving embrace of my fishing net. I may not desire many things but I sure desired to be loved not the kind of erotic love some of those Samaritan women would profess to men who lust after whore mongering. I sought for a love that was pure and chaste. A type that I couldn't even explain. I sought to be loved deeply by G...

WHY I WON'T BE BUYING ANYTHING AGAIN FOR A LIFETIME

Heads up, people! Walking into a shop to purchase an item does not look appealing to me anymore. This is one of my decisions for the new year being that if something is not worth it then there is no point buying it especially trying to impress another fellow. I have chosen to stick to buying experiences rather 'things.' One of my observation is that experiences cannot be stolen or compromised. They stick like your gum sap sticks to a tree. So maybe before you buy that expensive Emporio Armani wristwatch or Jimmy Choo shoes, it might be imperative to checkmate if there are experiences that same amout can buy you. Don't get me wrong, it is as clear as crystal that you need to shop for clothings, food, phones or luxury from time to time but bear in mind that your happiness can't be tied to any item. That vibe you get is nothing but a fleeting one . “One of the enemies of happiness is adaptation,” Thomas Gilovich reveals. “We buy ...

Mrs Woobag

Call her Woobag! He wooed her to make her a bag Whose mouth has been gagged A slum bag filled with punches Wearied with abuses in bunches Despised punching bag! Lengthy love letters turned assassination letters Man-handled by the man who gave her love's handle Love remains blind till it gains sight Woobag's face tells the story when his fury kindle Who will bring you down from that scary height? Fair face turned blue Kicks and slaps await you on a queue Upon your monster's punch tune You disappear in a ruin Your monster The master in feminine batter Who like a lobster Clinched your soul with claws till it splatter Your phlegm-trickling nose seeds Watch the master's deeds Innocence robbed Will there ever be a refund? Woobag! You await the right time and cry in a bag You may not become an old hag Till your bridled tongue you wag.

JENNIE IFEATU

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