When I was young
My mother told me secrets
She discovered in the magic box
Of her late father
— buried deep in the balcony.
She said I was born a shaman
With Aramaic wands on my palms
Everything I touch turns to stars
My mother’s half-sister turned into a rainbow
As she tried kissing me.
I spread my palms, dreaming in the wind
And thinking only of my mother’s secrets
A star talked back at me
And rainbow warmth brushed my skin
I lost my shadow in the wind
And my strength to the cleavage of a flesh merchant
In a lace corset.

Akinola Sesan is a Nigerian playwright and poet. He has written several plays and poetry collections, exploring themes such as identity, relationships, and social issues. Sesan’s works often reflect on contemporary Nigerian experiences with thought-provoking and engaging styles. He lives in Ibadan, Nigeria with his lovely wife Tosin.