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Saturday, October 23, 2010

GRASS TO GRACE, A NOVEL

CHAPTER TWO
BULLY GBENGA
    Going through Ijekun Grammar school was not easy for Bisi and Kunle whose parents had to work from dusk to dawn in order to provide for the family and pay their school fees as well. In fact, Mr. Taiwo had already decided that his children were not going to further their education seeing he could no longer pay their school fees without borrowing. The Ijekun town grammar school was located in the Ijekun town, a few miles from the Ijekun hamlet. It was owned by the government but was poorly maintained; the painting of most buildings had been washed off by the rains, it was now difficult to tell what color they were. The walls had cracks all over it that made it look like it needed a pretty strong wind to collapse it, and the louvers of most windows had gone out, and some broken; leaving an open frame through which the wind blew dust into the classes during classes, and cats and birds get in, in search of food and refuge, leaving behind their droppings on the almost broken, squeaky, cracked, and termite-infested desks and lockers. Even some of the black boards hung loosely from the walls at one end; making writing and viewing difficult for the teachers and students. Only the principal’s office and living quarter looked a little different from the class rooms, staff offices and quarters. The doors were still firm on the frame and all the louver blades were intact and the desks in good condition; perhaps, this was due to the fact that the government some times assigns white and foreign principals to the school. So the principal’s living quarter was occasionally renovated; the door frames changed, the plumbing and lighting system changed and fixed when broken and the furniture replaced when the need arose. However, in spite of these parents still sent their children to the school, because the teachers were not disturbed by the poor standards of the facilities and so taught to the best of their abilities. And when the government owed teachers’ salaries, a strike action was not considered, rather patience was applied- it was this quality that distinguished the Ijekun Town Grammar School from all others in the neighboring communities, where teachers didn’t teach well and were quick to go on a strike for even a two-week delay in salary payment.
    Bisi and Kunle were already in their final year at Ijekun town grammar school and were studiously preparing for their forthcoming certificate examinations and other necessary examinations to enable them gain admission into the higher institution. Mr. Kwamw, the Ghanian principal of Kunle’s school had informed them of a scholarship award to be given to the student or students who attain alpha grades in all their courses. This, he said was sponsored by the Oxford university of Britain.
     The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Taiwo were prepared to stop at nothing to get this award, through diligence,considering the squalor and impoverishment in which they lived. And so was their friend Abayomi.The two siblings would always visit the school’s library to study and prepare vigorously for their forthcoming exams, while their mates jeered and scorned them,calling them names like wise Olodo, Village headmaster and mistress, and book worms.
       Bisi,Kunle, Abayomi their friend were the most intelligent in class and always the first to attempy every question asked in class. As a result they were always at the top of the class in every test and internal exam. This caused some jealous class mates to raise eyebrows at them. One of such lazy classmates of theirs who turned out to be a bully and a torn in their flesh was Gbenga Adenuga, whose parents were the wealthiest in town. Gbenga, a tall, fat, dark-skinned boy, had become so puffed up by his parents’ wealth that he no longer takes his studies serious and has gradually turned the dullest in class.
       In an Economics class one day, the teacher Mr. Baden Powell asked Gbenga to state the law of Diminishing Returns. Gbenga stood up with so much pride in his eyes and with a swagger walked to the front of the class. The class was held in suspense itching to hear him. But the fool stood for about ten minutes unable to open his mouth. In fact, he was standing like a lifeless tree whose interior had been devored by termites. Mr. Powell was so angry that he asked the class to hoot at him, which they did with joy. Irate, Gbenga walked out of the class ignoring Mr. Powell’s calls.
        Kunle was later asked to answer the question. In response, he said;
                      “The law of Diminishing Returns states that if two or more variable factors of production are constantly been added to a fixed factor such as land, production will rise to a point when further additions would result in a gradual fall in output. Thank you” he added. Pleased by this, Mr. Powell asked the class to give Kunle a standing ovation. Gbenga was at this point infuriated as he observed from the window. He then connived with his two friends, Kole and Eze to beat up Kunle after school.
       On their way home, Bisi commended Kunle for his intelligent answer, and just as Abayomi was about to do same, the trio waljed out from a bush by the road side.
                        “So you think you are the only one who can give intelligent answers, right?” Gbenga asked angrily.
                        “Don’t mind the fool” Eze added.
“Olod…” “Enough of that” Kunle interrupted Kole just as he was about abusing him.
                “What is it? Is it now a crime to answer questions in class?” Kunle asked angrily.
                “Gbush!” Gbenga had just smacked Kunle hardly on the cheek.
                “yeeeh” Kunle cried out in pain.
                “Boom!” was a blow from Kole before Kunle could recover from the first. The three began beating the helpless kid whose sister and friend had gone to report the latest development to the principal. Kunle however managed to escape the trio after being badly bruised and injured.
                “We’ll get him another day” Gbenga said as they ran off a slope by the side.
       The next morning, Mr. Kwame instructed that Gbenga and the others be whipped before the entire school and given the grass to cut. The latter was as a result of Mr. Powell’s account of the incident which had occurred earlier the previous day. Gbenga and his friends had to learn their lessons the hard way and decided to refrain from bullying seeing they had been reduced to nothing and their reputations dented. The miscreants soon became the talk of the school and being the leader of the clique Gbenga gained the nick name “bully Gbenga”.
























LOVE BIRDS, A NOVEL: THE FINAL TALE-BEYOND THE FLESH

CHAPTER ELEVEN
BEYOND THE FLESH
FRIDAY, OCTOBER, 30, 16: 00 hrs
    The news of Naomi’s death spread like wild fire, and for the next three months Henry received a host of sympathizers and letters of condolences from friends and associates. Mrs. Graham fainted when she heard of her daughter’s death, and was hospitalized for days. At the hospital, she kept seeing her daughter’s phantom in her sleep. She wept each time she saw her, stretching her hands as if receiving a baby whose voice she could only hear, but not see. Naomi, had died an untimely death, and her spirit longed to carry her child. However, with each passing day Naomi’s mum got over the torment.  Meanwhile Mrs. Philips, Henry’s mum, took care of little Henry junior, still mourning. Henry’s father and Mr. Graham were the first to visit Henry, telling him to be a man. At the funeral which attracted people from all works of life, especially alumni of Johns Hopkins University, who couldn’t control their tears as the white gold designed coffin was been lowered six feet below, the reverend Mark Jones asked God to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss, as he urged the congregation to start making their ways straight, because they never knew when death would knock on the doors of their lives. At that point the former school mates of late Mrs. Henry had the fact of their own mortality stare them in the face, seeing one with whom they attended classes, wrote exams, and even quarreled with being covered in earth.
             For Henry, one didn’t need to go into his heart to feel his grieve, for months after Naomi’s death, while other members of the family had gotten over it, including Rooney his kid brother who was in his final year at the George Washington University where he was studying Law, he still grieved. Nights, after nights Henry wept, seeing very real images of his late wife. Those wedding pictures that hung on the white painted walls of Henry’s residence worsened the situation. Henry couldn’t remove it, seeing that as a way of honoring his wife, but he still couldn’t help weeping and breaking down at the mere sight of the pictures, even on his happiest days, which were becoming rarer with each passing day. Life was meaningless for Mr. Henry without his lovely wife, and sometimes he acted like her spirit even touched him sometimes, at night, while he slept, for he usually mentioned her name in his sleep while he rubbed his hand. His whole world was crumbling and he was fast loosing concentration at work. The worst however happened when he mistakenly connected a brain nerve to an optical artery, thus resulting in partial paralysis, and mental confusion in the patient who almost passed away, if not for the intervention of other doctors at the Harvard Medical center. The operation was traced to Johns Hopkins University hospital, and a panel set up to investigate the case. After months of argumentative deliberations, Doctor Henry was placed off the hook, with the panel saying he needed a mere psychological attention, and that his loss of concentration was due to his wife’s untimely death. He was thus given a suspension, during which he was meant to seek the services of a psychologist. At the psychologist’s office, a conversation ensued between Doctor Henry and Dr. Fred Jakes, a bald headed, plump man in his late fifties, from Columbia University.
           “You see Mr. Henry” Dr. Jakes started.
          “The solution to your problem lies in your palms. You have to shift your attention from what you have lost to what you have. Think about your little boy, your kid brother, your parents, in-laws, and colleagues. Think about your career, and that way you would be able to gain you concentration back” Dr. Jakes continued.
          “Doctor, I have tried all that, but it doesn’t seem to be working” Dr. Henry complained.
         “May be you should consider dating someone, who could possibly fill the vacuum, your late wife’s death had created in your heart” Dr. Jakes said smiling to ease the pressure that was beginning to build on Henry.
        “Alright doctor. You have been of great help. Thanks” he said shaking the psychologist’s hands, before leaving the office.
    Months later, Henry ran into Sophia who had visited Washington DC on a vacation. They had not seen each other for years, and she had blossomed into an adorable woman. It was a happy reunion for both of them, and they soon began getting on well. She seemed to be a duplicate of Naomi and Henry loved her as much as he loved his first love. Henry finally began dating again, and his performance at work began improving remarkably.
         “I’m really sorry for the death of your wife. Please accept my condolence” Sophia said pitifully.
          “Oh thanks, may her gentle soul rest in peace. I love her even in death” Henry said tears in his eyes.
          “But with you Sophia, I can move on excellently. You and Naomi kind of have a lot in common; beauty, love, foresight, care, loyalty and integrity. Please help me have a better love life without Naomi” Henry pleaded.
         “I’ll try, considering the fact that it’s not easy being another” she said,
         “Nooo, I’m not asking you to be Naomi. In fact I love you the way you are” Henry said trying to make her more comfortable.
         “It was Saturday evening, and Sophia visited. Her presence was most pleasing to Henry’s parents as it has helped their son have life again.
         “Thank you my daughter for being there for our son. God bless you” Henry’s mother said. Henry’s dad had being to his house on a short visit, but his mum had been with him, taking care of Henry’s son, her grandson, since the death of his mother.
        “The pleasure is mine Mrs. Philips” she responded with a smile.
    That evening Sophia wore a v- neck blouse which revealed her cleavage, and from her neck hung a gold necklace.
         “Where did you get that from?” Henry asked pointing at the necklace.
         “Oh this, I bought it from a jewelry shop in New York. Why do you ask?” Sophia responded.
         “It looks just like the one I bought for Naomi, the night before she went into a coma which lasted for months, It was a symbol of our love” he said emotionally.
         “Oh, I’m sorry if it brought back painful memories. I’ll stop wearing it if that will make you feel better’ Sophia said trying to console him.  
        “It is okay, it makes me feel better when you wear it. I love it. Just keep wearing it, and even if I didn’t buy it for you, I’ll like it to serve as a symbol of our love” Henry said as he kissed Sophia.
      Monday morning is always busy for Henry as he’s got lots of appointments to keep. This was after his suspension was called off, and with Sophia’s presence, he soon gained full concentration, most of his life restored. He was running up the stairs to catch-up with a surgical appointment, with a couple of surgeons who had been waiting for close to an hour to begin a brain tumor operation, when wind blew dust into his nose. He immediately had an attack for he was Asthmatic. He had also forgotten his inhaler in haste, and had reported late for traffic jam. Eyewitnesses took him into the hospital, where he was said to be suffering an acute case of the disease. Further diagnosis also revealed the need for a Kidney Transplant.
           “What’s all this. Just when I was beginning to fall in love with him, his life has been placed on the edge of a precipice” Sophia thought to herself, as she sat by his hospital bed.
          ‘Don’t worry baby, you are going to be alright’ she said kissing him on his forehead and gently wiped his forehead with her index finger. This woke him up.
          ‘Sophie’ he said adjusting to a sitting position as he continued.
          ‘You know there are some people we get to meet in life at some point in our journey through this world, we only get to know them for so long before they are separated from us. No matter what happens, Sophie, I want you to know you are one of the best gifts life gave to me. I will always love, cherish and appreciate you. I love you’
          ‘It’s okay sweetie, save your energy. The doctor said you need all the rest you can get. I love you too baby, and we will have all the time together when you get out of here’ Sophia said to Henry who at this point appeared to be gradually passing away. He had lost his appetite for food and drive for life.  He could hardly breathe with his constricted airwaves and his weakened kidney was doing very little in eliminating liquid waste from his body, and as a result lots of toxins were being stored up in his system. The dialysis machine he was placed on was not working effectively with his body to get rid-off as much waste as was needed, especially because he was simultaneously  placed on a lot of medications to help alleviate his asthma.  
   The Kidneys of Henry’s parents were not compatible with his, and so was Sophia’s. The doctor said that by genetic analysis, since his mum’s genes were dominant over his father’s, someone in her lineage with a similar genetic composition was needed. This was Henry’s late grandmother.
          “Three months later, Henry died, leaving Sophia in sorrow. His family mourned him for months. His kid brother, Rooney missed him the most. Immediately after his death, his spirit left his body, and in a white cloud Naomi’s spirit appeared and beckoned on it. They both kissed passionately before disappearing into the clouds to continue their love in the great beyond. Death was no parting for them.
       




LOVE BIRDS, A NOVEL: THE FINAL TALE

CHAPTER TEN
                         THE WEDDING
                         THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 1, 13: 00Hrs.
Shortly after graduation, Henry soon started working at the Johns Hopkins Medical Center, while Naomi decided to start work after the birth of their first baby. They were now full fledged adults and Henry had to drive miles from DC to Maryland everyday. They now lived in their separate apartments. The wedding bells soon began ringing loudly in the air, and both parents needed no formal introduction, as they’ve blessed the union a long time ago. Soon wedding cards were distributed to as many as they could remember; relatives, friends, fellow alumni and acquaintances. The wedding was slated for December, 24th, and all necessary arrangements were made. Both parents were wealthy, and so were their children now, and so the wedding was planned on a large scale.
          December, 24 was the happiest day in the couples life, especially Naomi, the bride whose pretty chocolate- skinned, round spotless face glowed in the flared spotless cotton wedding gown, with flowery designs all over it, which accentuated her perfect figure eight shape. Her veil rested neatly and stylishly on her long silk blonde hair. She was the first to arrive the magnificent, awe-inspiring white painted building of the Trinity Church of Washington, DC, accompanied by her maid of honor dressed almost like her, except for her dark toned skin, tinted by the warm rays of the temperate sunshine, and her flower girls all dressed in silk pink dresses, matched with their equally pink stiletto shoes, and pink mini decorated baskets, with lavender scented roses, and daisies, which would be spread all over the marble floor of the church, during the procession.
           Shortly after, Naomi arrived in the silver painted latest model of Kia Sorento LX SUV, accompanied in a long procession by different colors of Kia Picanto, Kia Sedona and Kia Borego, ten minutes later the groom, Henry arrived in his newly purchased red colored Hummer jeep, in a procession of latest Peugeot coolest rides. He then stepped out of his Hummer jeep, looking very handsome in his neatly ironed Italian suites, flanked by his Best man, Mr. Carlton Geoffrey, who was now a celebrated McArthur fellowship member, and controlled a writing and publications company based in English novels, and poetry, and parents Mr. and Mrs. Philip of the Philips Group of companies with headquarters in New York, a company specialized in clothes, cosmetics, and cologne, dressed adorably in their individual outfits. The wedding was done with the crème de la crème, and packed full with all the dignitaries, and celebrities of the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia regions. Even the mayor of the capital city was present.
        At about 11 am, the bride, carrying brightly colored carnation flowers, neatly tucked together, ending in interlocking tufts, at the upper end, and her maid of honor, alongside her flower girls who went before her covering the marbled floor of the Trinity Church of Washington DC with lavender-scented flowers, marched in swaying gently from side to side in tune with the “It’s your wedding day” number coming from the seraphic and sonorous voices of the trinity choir, and harmonized with the rhythmic sounds of gently played harps, vibrantly sounding trumpets, melodiously struck organs, and sweetly played flutes, thus feeling the church auditorium with resultant waves of musical notes combining in consonance, which continued until the bride got to the front of the church, standing next to her groom. Then the priest, Rev. Mark Jones, a bald white headed, elongated man in his late sixties started the religious marriage rites, as the couples now stood before him, an air of silence running across the room, irregularly broken by shrill baby cries.
     “We are gathered here today, to witness the solemnization of holy matrimony of our children, Mr. Henry Philips and Miss. Naomi Graham. If there be anyone among the congregation, who has any reason why these shouldn’t be joined, should speak now or remain silent forever” he said his voice deep enough, to instill fear in the heart of any objectors, if any, and make them sit.
       Expectedly, in the absence of any objections he proceeded with the exchange of rings. The ring bearer, little Peterson, Naomi’s cousin who had flew in from Los Angeles, with his parents, stepped forward bearing the diamond rings neatly seated in gold-plated cases. The priest then asked Naomi to hold the ring in her right hand and repeat after him.
         “I take thee, Henry Philips” “I take thee, Henry Philips” “as my lovely wedded husband” “as my lovely wedded husband” “to love and to protect” “to love and to protect” “in sickness and in health” “in sickness and health” “in riches and poverty” “in riches and poverty” “till death do us part” “till death do us part” “with this ring I thee wed” “with this ring I thee wed” “in the name of the father, son and holy ghost” “in the name of the father, son, and holy ghost” she said placing the ring momentarily on his index, middle fingers, before finally sliding the ring down his ring finger, looking him directly in the eyes with love, and a warm smile. Henry also did the same, with cheer, laughter and applause from the congregation. The priest then asked the groom to kiss the bride.
              “You may kiss the bride” he said smiling to reveal his white closely packed teeth. They didn’t seem to be browned with age. Henry, smiling then unveiled his wife’s face, and kissed her passionately, almost forgetting he was in public, for his best man had to gently pull him by the shoulders, reminding him of the congregation with his eyes.
        Soon, the wedding was over, and so was the reception which was held at the J. W Marriott hotel at
Pennsylvania Avenue
. Two months after the wedding ceremony which was featured on the cover page of Washington Post, the two began living life as couples. Their honeymoon took place at Paris, the capital of France, however child birth was not top on their priority list. Naomi considered it too early to begin having children. Henry had welcomed the idea, saying it would give them time to watch the progress of her health, to avoid complications. Naomi was still very loving and caring, but the winds of high school and college couldn’t blow off the trait of jealousy from her. One morning, while Henry prepared for work, he had left his tie knot a bit lower, and was about dashing out in order to beat time, when his lovely wife called him back.
       “Honey” she said stressing the honey as though she was lifting a heavy load.
       “Come here baby, your tie knot is slightly dropped”, she said gently pulling up his tie, as she rubbed his stomach which was now bulging due to weeks of solid food consumption, and the tenderness and care of a loving wife, gently planting a kiss on his lips. She didn’t seem to care he was late.
     “Sweet heart, I am late for work, please.” Henry said frowning slightly, but keeping his voice low, in order not to offend his wife.
     “Oh sorry darling, I just wanted to be sure you looked good. Do have a nice day, at work” she said in her soft voice which made it difficult for Henry to get upset. By now Henry was reaching for the silver door handle of the gold decorated door, made from hard wood. Naomi then walked gracefully to the sink to continue doing the dishes.
   Mrs. Henry was arranging the yellow, purple, and white flowers of the crocuses, in the purple colored enamel vase at the side of the rectangular glass window, when she saw her husband dropping off a lady, he never told her of across the road. The surge of jealousy welled up inside her, and she suddenly refused talking to her husband.
       “Honey what is it? You look sad” Mr. Henry asked his wife trying to kiss her; a gesture which she declined.
       “Nothing, I just don’t feel too well. And I think I can take care of my self” she said knowing her husband would offer to help. For the next two days, the newly weds slept in opposite directions on their king-sized, water bed with fanciful brightly colored bulbs around its head, surrounding a semi-circular mirror at the center, with Naomi acting like a baby, refusing to tell her husband what the problem was, and pretending she was fine, when it was obvious, something bothered her. Henry was sure it was a jealousy issue, but couldn’t detect where it came from, or what caused it, and so he was very patient with his wife. Then one night he decided to take the bull by its horns.
         “Sweet- heart” he said in his manly, but caring voice watered with love.
         “I know something is bothering you, and I also know I’m the cause, but please tell me what it is, so we can deal with it together” he continued holding his wife’s hands, and rubbing it gently. Although, Henry was a busy man, who needed to have a long rest after a tiring day at work, he still found time to talk to his wife, about what bothered her.
      “The truth is you are a very wealthy and intelligent man. An accomplished Neurosurgeon with all the qualities a woman would desire in a man. The issue is I sometimes feel insecure, and jealous. The other day I saw you drop off a lady whom you never, told me about”, Naomi said in her usual soft voice, but this time its softness was altered by the worry she expressed.
       “Alright sweet heart, I am sorry I didn’t tell you about the lady. Her name is Ms. Joy Baker, and she is the assistant matron at the hospital. And please, baby, I love you so much, and I wouldn’t want you to feel insecure, or jealous. You can always trust me, I am your husband and with or without the wealth, I’ll still love you” Henry said assuring his wife of his fidelity, as well as expressing he would appreciate it if she trusts him.
    “Now when was the last time we rolled around on this bed in pleasure, you know. I think it’s high time we had a Henry junior in this house, I know you are due for that now” A gesture to which Naomi smiled before heading to the bathroom for a shower. She stepped out ten minutes later from the glass-enclosed bathtub, and as she let her towel drop, Henry thought she looked more beautiful when naked, and even though they have been married for sometime now, and so that night was not the first time he had seen her naked, there was still a certain difference to her naked body. May be it was the unusual fullness of her breast; Henry had commented on this a few days ago, when she wore that stretchy pink blouse. He told her that her babies were getting fuller by the day before actually feeling them, while she smiled before kissing him. She always did this whenever he complimented her. Or may be it was the narrow triangle-shape into which the hair at the top of her pubic region was waxed, she usually waxed it into a thin line, or may be it was the unusual prominence of her hips that evening. She stood smiling alluringly as Henry stood up and kissed her lips and neck before she helped him undress and sunk down to take him into her mouth, he was warm and huge, and as she later ran her hands masterfully up and down his privates he let out a deep and low moan. He then carried her and placed her on the white linen bed cover with crisscrossed patterns before spreading her legs apart and begun exploring her privates with this tongue and hand; and as he did she tasted very differently too; like honey. It was unlike the strawberry taste he was used to, perhaps it was the honey-scented lotion and body wash she had used in the shower. This new taste made Henry more passionate as he took her into his mouth, thus intensifying her pleasure as she pulled at the bed cover, wriggling and letting out short low moans. Later as he thrust her, his thrust were very forceful and fast, and her moans were very loud, and her breathe paced, and when she finally climaxed she squeaked. It was like none other they’ve had before. The experience left them both worn-out and freshly united. They woke up the next morning with Henry still on top of Naomi, and when he made to slide out of her, she held him close and asked him not to, saying she had never felt this way for a long time, and she wished they’d stay in bed all day.
“Honey this is great and I want this moment to continue all day too, but I have to go to work” he said before sliding out of her and got out of bed, and as he walked towards the bathroom naked, she smiled and said “Honey, I love you” “I love you too baby” he said as he stepped into the bathroom. After that night, a baby was soon on the way for the couple.
          Exactly, two months later, Mrs. Henry was two moths into having a baby boy, as revealed by the ultrasound analysis. She could hardly move, sit or stand with ease as before, and Henry had to do most of the jobs, she normally did for him. Shortly after, in the eight month of the pregnancy, he had to take a month’s leaf in order to cater for his expectant wife, who now sat more than she stood, or walked and did more of pointing than her usual long talks. Her whole life was totally transformed by the pregnancy, and so was Henry’s who now did the laundry, the cleaning, the dishes, and other chores. He never minded though, his wife was worth all that , he thought, and he enjoyed moving his hands gently across his wife’s bulging stomach, placing his ears close to it to feel the fetus’ movement. His wife usually beamed each time he did that, as she rubs his soft dark hair.
       “You know darling, when we took a vow of chastity, and abstinence, I didn’t think I could keep to it, and end up with you, but I was optimistic. And here we are our dreams fulfilled, and soon we’ll be parents, and our parents, grand parents” Henry said still rubbing her stomach.
      “Me too, all thanks to God” she said as she now spoke only few words.
           One month later on the ever serene
Longfellow Street
on a Saturday afternoon, as Mrs. Henry bent over to pick up a knife which had dropped, while she peeled orange with it, she felt a sharp pain at the left side of her stomach. For a while, she grimaced in pain trying to take charge of the situation, but the pain seemed to be increasing and so she yelled.
         “Henry!” she called stressing the name so long, the neighbors in the building next to their two story mansion, painted in brilliant shades of white, and blue, could hear her.
  “What is it honey” Henry responded from upstairs.
  “I’m coming” he added.
  “The baby; I think it is coming, hurry!” she yelled again. Just then Henry dashed down stairs and not minding he wore shorts, quickly but carefully led her to the garage, and into the car, before they drove off to the hospital in his red hummer jeep, controlling the steering with one hand, and consoling his wife with the other. In a short time, they arrived at the Howard University hospital at Down town DC, and Mrs. Henry was immediately rushed into the labor room, her husband following the nurses all dressed in sky blue uniforms, as they rolled her on the stretcher into the labor room. For three hours the doctors struggled to deliver Mrs. Henry of her baby, but with no progress. They then told Mr. Henry their only option was a Caesarean Section, who was at this point no longer interested in the baby but in his wife’s life. He was weeping when he told the doctors to carry on. Hours later the 7 pound 3 ounces baby boy was born, and his shrill cry put a smile on Henry’s face, who was now gradually wiping off his tears, as he carried it. Then minutes later, Doctor Samuel Smith, the head of Howard University Hospital’s Department of Gynecology, called on Doctor James Brown, an associate Gynecological surgeon from Johns Hopkins Medical Center.
          “Doctor J” he said looking startled.
         “There’s been a problem. The patient is no longer breathing and the anesthesia was expected to have lost its effect two hours ago. It was obvious Mrs. Henry’s has had a heart attack, while she was trying to deliver the baby by natural contraction, and the doctors probably didn’t notice, since everyone’s attention was on the baby, and all that shaking in the process kept them from seeing when Mrs. Henry had the attack. Just then, the team of Surgeons politely asked Henry to leave, while they took his wife to the theatre. At this point Dr. Brown was trying to place a ventilator on Mrs. Henry as she was rolled into the theatre. Mr. Henry didn’t know what to do any more, he was so confused he became dumfounded, tears rolling down his cheeks again. His wife’s predicament seemed to have ripped him of his manliness.
           Meanwhile at the theatre, the surgeons did everything possible to save Naomi’s life. They even had to dissect her chest, and got out her heart to examine it, and a sample of her blood. There was no trace of Cholesterol, but the arteries of her heart were unusually hardened, blood couldn’t get through, but it was still mysterious why she had stopped breathing. Dr. Smith then told the team, that a case like this was peculiar with hereditary atherosclerosis. It was a critical condition, and the doctors tired, and frustrated gave up on her. A heart transplant was useless for she had stopped breathing hours before the doctors discovered. A death confirmation test was carried out, and Mrs. Henry Philips was confirmed clinically dead. The doctors were not to blame for Naomi’s case was a very complex one that has built up over the years. They were even surprised how she survived till then, and did not loose the baby and her life.
          Dr. Smith then came out of the theatre hours later, and Henry frantically ran to meet him. He hadn’t sat down the whole time. His hands shook, his lips quavered as he tugged the doctor’s lab coat.
          “How is she, how is she, Doctor. How is my wife” he said raising his voice. He was a doctor and he knew that silence was symbolic of death.
          “Please, doctor, tell me you didn’t loose her. Tell me she is alive” he said as he sat on the tile hospital floor weeping.
        “I’m sorry Doctor Henry. We lost her” Doctor Smith finally spoke up, though Henry already knew his wife didn’t make it.
        ‘Nooo doctor Smith, she’s all I’ve got. How do I take care of that baby alone, and still concentrate at work. Why did she have to go now, she didn’t even stay to hold her baby’s hands or see his face” Henry yelled miserably, his voice drowning off in tears as he wept and complained at the same time, the other doctors joining to console him.
          
   
        














WHAT ARE WE REBELLING AGAINST? III

What are we rebelling against?
When our young girls are taught that it is cool to be called "bitches", and "whores",
As long as they are paid with a green that take them down to the black of the ground, of their souls and lives,
When our prestige, esteem and self-respect is robbed off us,
And we are meant to forfeit the beauty of our personality and character,
And waste away on the ephemeral beauty of embellishments and glamorous fashion,
When our young girls are dropping out of school like flies,
Forfeiting their dreams, visions, hopes and aspiration,
And all they get is help to raise kids who struggle through a vicious cycle of pain and misery,
Isn't it this same "Rebel Song" that has destroyed us rather than build us,
We are at war with ourselves, and our world,
Yet we never win any victories,
Let us stop killing ourselves, rethink,
Take our destinies into our hands,
Leave a better legacy for our children and nation,
Pass on a more honorable mantle to our generation,
And create a haven of peace for us to dwell, for if we don't nobody will!

WHAT ARE WE REBELLING AGAINST? II

What are we rebelling against?
When the black community still remains downsized;
With our kids disillusioned with the impression that there is very little to our prospects,
When they are told they need no role models, and every way is the right way,
When they are ignorant of the truth that we are actually creators, inventors, pioneers and leaders,
And deep within us lie a variety of gifts which could be channeled towards a purpose that betters humanity,
When they fail to realize that not all of us would end up before cheering fans on a stage,
That to some of us, have been given the power to usher the world into a new age,
Hence some of us are wired and channeled along different routes,
And not every way is the right way,
What are we rebelling against?
When we cannot get our young ones from off the streets with 'crack',
When we keep killing ourselves with guns that 'crack',
That crack and crumble not just our mortal entities,
But the very fiber of our souls, beings and structure as a people,
When we use our powers against ourselves, rather than for ourselves...

WHAT ARE WE REBELLING AGAINST?

As I turn on the radio and switch on the television,
I hear my 'brothers' talk about their anger,
the pain and the reason for their fight,
They channel it through rhymes and rhythms,
Sometimes through violence and vanity,
And it sounds like a song; "The Rebel Song",
But I ask, what are we rebelling against?
When our children don't know any better,
And our families everyday scatter,
With our dreams and hopes being shattered,
As our young ones are emotionally and mentally battered...

TO BE CONTINUED
Copyright Lysious

COULD THIS BE LOVE? IV

I just met this lovely lady,
And unto her I never made a pass,
And by me she just walked past,
So unawares of my love she went away,
But obsessed with thoughts of her,
She remains my desire with each passing day,
She became the sweet dreams of my night,
And unto my life has remained a light,
But our eyes just met,
And our paths just crossed,
But I know I'm not losing my mind,
When I say I can't put her behind,
So please tell me...Could this be love?

COULD THIS BE LOVE? III

I just met this lovely lady,
And when I saw her, I admired her,
The troubles of life always made me sad,
But with the first sight of her I forgot my troubles, and was glad,
The sway in her waist with a surge of heat and energy,
The ride of her breasts with a spice of roundness and ecstasy,
The confidence in her smiles,
And the pride in her strides,
All told me she is the one,
And my days of loneliness are all gone,
But our eyes just met,
And our paths just crossed,
But I felt a leap in my heart;
A feeling we can't be torn apart,
But I still ask...Could this be love?

COULD THIS BE LOVE? II

I just met this lovely lady,
She looks so ravishing and attractive,
Her steps so gracious and suggestive,
Her body is well-made with a sparkling of sexy and fire,
And her gestures beckoning with a shade of love and desire,
But our eyes just met,
And our paths just crossed,
But I could feel her presence when I'm alone,
And her image is all I see so clear and true,
In the darkness of my shut eyes,
So please tell me...Could this be love?

COULD THIS BE LOVE?

I just met this lovely lady,
So charming and classy,
Her face is radiant and her eyes sparkly,
Her skin is smooth with a hint of dark and lovely,
Her personality is true with a touch of grace and beauty,
Our eyes just met,
And our paths just crossed,
But I could feel our hearts beat as one,
And I just can't take my eyes off her...Could this be love?

GRASS TO GRACE

CHAPTER ONE
CHILDHOOD
       It was not yet 5 am and Kunle was already out of bed to begin the day’s chores. This he does everyday being the first son of a poverty stricken family of four, resident in a small Cottage house on the outskirts of the ancient Ijekun hamlet. The hamlet was one of the smallest in Ogun state, a state in the western part of Nigeria. It was a hamlet characterized by huge rocks, hills, mountains; streams, rivers and springs. Its vast vegetation supported by the tropical climate of the country, and region, was composed of gigantic Iroko and Mahogany tress. The fertile soil produced prolific plants like Elephant grasses, carpet grasses, pines, weeds; and crops like yam, cassava, plantain and corn. It was a hamlet that still believed in the existence of gods that controlled human life and the seasons of the year, in spite of the introduction of Christianity and God to Nigeria and Africa by the whites. Some of these gods were Shango, the god of thunder and lightening, Ogun the god of iron and perhaps, vengeance and Oya, the mother of all children, responsible for fertility. Kunle, a dynamic young boy of fifteen is tall, dark-skinned and muscular-bodied; a physique made more noticeable by his thinness. His chiseled face was projected by his thich lips, dainty nose and starry eyes. Born and raised in Ijekun, Kunle was of Yoruba origin, an ethnic group that formed one of the major ones in Nigeria; Kunle’s fatherland. Mr. Taiwo, Kunle’s father, a vibrant and energetic man of average height, in his late forties, whose face had been wrinkled from years of laborious farming, and skin made darker from the heat of the tropical sun, is a farmer who works so hard to provide for his family. Mrs. Iyabo, his wife, a diligent slender-bodied, chocolate-skinned woman in her late thirties, is a trader of multifarious food items at the town’s main market. She is also as industrious as her husband and cares a lot for her family. Bisi, Kunkle’s sister, a young chocolate-skinned, slender-bodied girl, two years younger than Kunle, with much resemblance to her mom, is a student of the reputable Ijekun town Grammar school,as well as Kunle her brother. She is as pretty as her mum, with same features of glowing eyes, smooth skin, but acne-sprinkled face, an almost pointed nose, dainty ears and full, brightly-colored lips. She and Kunle are both studious and hardworking like their parents, hoping that someday through them poverty would be eradicated from their family.
       Growing up as a child, Kunle had always learnt to be obedient, respectful, humble and hardworking as these he believed were the only way to success in life. This he learnt from his parents whose hard work had always put food on their table. He and his sister would wake up early each morning to carry out all house hold chores and get prepared for school. Owing to the love they had for their mother, they would assist her in carrying her goods to the market before leaving for school.
       On Saturdays, Kunle goes to work on the farm with his father after doing his laundry, while Bisi helps her mother with the cooking. With the little knowledge he had acquired from elementary Agricultural science, Kunle had already started a Pepper and Tomato nursery in a small piece of land just besides his father’s farmland. The produce he sold in the local market during the holidays to help out in the family. On his farm, Mr. Taiwo planted various food crops like Yam, Plantain, Cassava, Potatoes and Vegetables, and fruits like Orange, Mangoes, Avocado pear, and Paw-paw.
        Unlike most children of his age, Kunle’s childhood was not all about mischievous deeds of sneaking into people’s compounds to pluck their fruits, stealing books from the school’s library, accompanying other boys to destroy and collect fruits from the school’s farm and all of those other childhood mischiefs. He was rather an adventurous kid who was always fascinated about discoveries and unraveling of mysteries which was one of the reasons he choose to be in the science class and eventually a Surgeon upon his graduation from the university.
          This adventurous nature of his was made evident when he crossed to the neighboring village all alone in a small wooden boat, all in search of the young of a Chameleon which his school intended using as a specimen for a Biology practical class. Ms. Joy, Kunle’s Biology teacher had just finished a class on Vertebrates, specifically the group Reptilia and informed the class of the forthcoming Biology practicals on Reptiles and that the specimen to be used would be that of a Chameleon.
             “But there is a problem” she said.
               “And what could that be?” inquired Abayomi, Kunle’s closest friend who was also one of the top brains in class.
                “We don’t have the specimen in the school’s laboratory” replied Ms. Joy
                 “What do we do now since the school authority has promised to purchase more materials by next month?” she continued with a question, looking worried.
                  “I think I can help you get it from one of the neighboring villages” Kunle replied abruptly to the surprise of the class.
“Are you sure?” Ms. Joy asked surprisingly.
  “Yes madam, i-it’s a promise” Kunle replied.
  “Okay then, we are counting on you, but please be very careful” Ms. Joy warned.
  “How do you intend to get the young of a Chameleon?” Abayomi asked Kunle on their way home.
    “Well, I know of a hunter in the village next to ours who can help me get it” Kunle replied.
     “That means crossing the Idowa River” Abayomi said.
     ‘Yes off course” replied Kunle in a confident tone.
     “But that wouldn’t be easy you know” Abayomi added.
     “Come on, don’t you know me anymore, I will do it. Trust me” Kunle replied.
     “Okay then, but just be careful” abayomi advised Kunle. The two theb parted ways.
            The day following was a Saturday, Kunle got up earlier than usual and quickly finished his house hold chores and off he went leaving his father with the impression that he was going to work on the farm. He told his father not to bother coming as he and some of his friends had agreed to do the work.
         “That’s okay” said Mr. Taiwo, but ensure you come home in good time” he added.
          “Yes father” Kunle replied.
         On the contrary, Kunle was heading for the Idowa River. There he had a boat which he intended using tied to a Guava tree. Kunle had paddled safely to Ebutemetta which is the village next to the Ijekun hamlet. Fortunately, he met the hunter who gave him the Chameleon and advised him to wait until evening when the sea will be pacific before going home.
             “No Sir!” Kunle said.
             “I thank you for everything, but I have to rush back home. I’ll take care of myself” he added.
              “Alright, but please very cautious” replied the hunter.
        Kunle set-off for his village with the thought of getting to the farm in good time and doing some work before going home at dusk. But as fate had it, the adventurous kid was about having an unforgettable lifetime experience. He was only a few miles away from his village when a turbulent wave arose. This frightened the young boy to the point he forgot all the skills his father had taught him on how to deal with such waves when paddling.
        The boat was soon becoming heavy with water and Kunle was almost drowning but he still held tight to the bag in which he put the Chameleon. Although he was a proficient swimmer, Kunle was overwhelmed by the intensity of the waves. Fortunately however, Kunle landed safely but unconscious and water- filled close to the shores of his village after being tossed countless times by the river.
           Kunle’s parents and sister were already getting really frantic over the where about of their son. Mr. Taiwo had earlier sent a search team to comb through every nook and crannie of the farm and bush until they found him, but the group came back without any trace of Kunle. Kunle’s family stayed awake all night crying over their missing son.


           Early the next morning, there was a knock on Mr. Taiwo’s door. It was Ajala, a fisherman who lives some kilometers away from Kunle’s house. Mr. Taiwo frantically ran to open the door without asking who it was. This was unlike him.
              “Good morning Mr. Taiwo” said Mr. Ajala, carrying Kunle’s unconscious body.
              “G-g.good morning Mr. Ajala” spluttered Mr. Taiwo.
              “What happened?” he asked.
              “Hmm, I was just paddling along the Idowa River, casting my net, when from a distance I saw a lifeless body lying on the shores of our village. I became afraid and immediately pulled over to see who it was. Then I realized it was Kunle your son; I was surprised and frightened still and quickly carried him and headed for your house. Here is your son. He is breathing and I was able to get rid of the water he swallowed, but he is still unconscious. It will take some time for him to gain unconsciousness and please don’t be too hard on him. And lest I forget,here also is a bag I found on him. I have to go back to work. I will stop over at dusk to find out what really happened” Mr Ajala finished.
               “Thank you very much and Olodomare bless you and give you your biggest catch today” Mr. Taiwo said gratefully.
              “So shall it be” Mr. Ajala said.
              “Thank you as well, I’ll be on my way now” he added.
        Ms. Iyabo was elated when she saw her son, but was frightened at first; thinking he was dead when her husband walked into the house carrying his supposedly lifeless body. She was however pacified by her husband’s account of what Mr. Ajala told him. Kunle was later resuscitated and was served breakfast. He later told his family all that happened and apologized for lying. He was terribly scolded by his parents, but was however commended for his adventurous deed by Bisi, his sister.
       Fortunately and surprisingly, Kunle found the bag containing the Chameleon, and it was still alive. This was like a reward for all he went through. He took to school on Monday morning and was commended by Ms. Joy and Abayomi for keeping his words. He later narrated the story to Abayomi who advised him to put a limit on his adventures, which he off course had no other option than to do.
            












GRASS TO GRACE-New Young Adult and Children Novel

THE PROLOG OF GRASS TO GRACE
  The story is all about three young people resident in the rural and urban parts of a state in Western Nigeria. It is a story that spotlights the poverty and misfortune that plagues most rural parts of Africa, and how these children fought against the limitations of these to rise to the top. Kunle and Bisi are siblings and children of Mr and Mrs Taiwo, and Abayomi is their closest friend. Inspite of their poverty, the parents of Kunle and Bisi, taught their children to be hard working, as this, they believed was the way to success.
    Owing to their poverty, Mr and Mrs Taiwo had to work very hard to train their children. And Kunle and Bisi had to work really hard to stay in school and be successful.Paying their tuition was thus hard. However, luckily for them, the Oxford University of Britain offered to give scholarship awards to students who performed well in their final high school exams. This was their opportunity to become great in life.
     Although Bisi, Kunle, and Abayomi faced bullies like Gbenga, and his friends who were never serious, they were still hard working. Gbenga's parents were rich, and so he became proud because of that. But his friends, Eze and Kole came from poor homes, but they were deceived by Gbenga and also turned out to be unserious with their school work.
    After their final high school exams, Bisi, Kunle, and Abayomi performed brilliantly and won the scholarship awards to study at Oxford University of Britain. Kunle hoped to be a medical doctor, Abayomi loved the field of Engineering, and for Bisi, Accounting was her desire. But for the bullies, Gbenga, Kole, and Eze, they were expelled from school for cheating in their final exams. Kole and Eze cried because they had been deceived and had lost their chances of being well educated. Moreover, they did not have rich parents like Gbenga who would easily get them into another school. They learnt their lessons the hard way.
    Also while Kunle, Bisi, and Abayomi were studying in London, Mr. and Mrs. Taiwo separated. They were no longer married to each other. This affected Kunle and Bisi's studies that they started failing and their scholarships were withdrawn. Kunle joined gangsters on the streets of London, and Bisi became a cheap prostitute. However, with Abayomi's help, they realized their mistakes, got serious again, and had their scholarships restored. Their parents als got back together again. The three actualized their dreams, and graduated successfully. They also received money awards from the British and United States government. And finally, and interestingly, Abayomi got married to Bisi, his best friend Kunle's sister, and they had a son. The story ended happily with Bisi and Abayomi living  together, and Kunle setting up his own medical center.
THE SAGA IS ABOUT TO UNFOLD...
Copyright Lysious