I know this path like the story beneath my name,

I know it much like the pulse within my body—

a dance with destiny in a shapeless room full of men.

In this chapter, we all wear the crown of defeat, 

it’s but a mystery sculpted in reality’s broken hopes 

and I only wish the sun stings you sweetly tomorrow.

I know this game—we exchange promises 

and build up thresholds of pride, yet our imperfections 

betray perfections. Why do we revel in futile treasures?

Take my words, I pray thee. I shall lead you

to my heart’s tour—the one who falls short takes it all, 

love is not a contest to win. It’s all but a losing game!

Aôndona (D’niel) is a versatile, award-winning writer and arts enthusiast from Benue, Central-Nigeria. He is a member of Hilltop Creative Arts Foundation, Abuja, Oyongo Collective, and an alumnus of the Sprinng Writers Fellowship. He serves as a Feature editor at Pawners Paper, and Editor-in-Chief at Words-Empire Magazine.


You can connect with him on social media: FB: Daniel Aôndona, IG: @aondonadaniel.30, X: @aondonadaniel30