On her dying bed,
in the darkest hour of the night,
she spoke about my responsibilities,
how she had wanted me to go beyond my capacities
and how she had wanted me to save the day
even when she knew I had nothing to do or say.
I wanted you to be tougher and braver,
she said.
She had wanted more from me,
much more than I had given;
more than I could ever have imagined.
She said I made her look bad,
but I knew I made her sad
because with me, she was never glad.
I never expected her to take my side
all I wanted was for her to understand
so she would be one of a kind
and keep my feelings in mind.
I wanted to say something,
defend myself maybe.
She wanted me to be me and her at the same time
-OYATI EMMANUELLA OMUWA
E