My body, my story

I flip through my baby album,
and smile at the cute lil me,
Chubby cheeks, toothless smile,
Smooth skin, soft baby bottom
The birthmarks and immunization mark
I see now had not become visible,


1986
I could show up naked at anybody's door,
Unashamed, unafraid,
I only start running,
When I see my mom's strong palms,
Ready to spank my cute lil bottom

8
Had an eye operation,
Had to wear glasses for 3 years,

I feel as light as breeze
As shobare’s soft lips brushes mine,
My first kiss.

Puppy Love,

Silly crush.


The faded bruises on my knees,
Remind me of my stubborn tomboy days.

9
Everyone in class is laughing,
At the tribal marks on my face,
Granma says it will stop my turbulent dreams,
and heal all of my pain,
But the razor was the pain,
as it cut my face and hands
and the black power fed the bloody marks


10
omo rogun (the ladle) leaves temporary marks on my back,
My already dislocated right arm suffers the most,
The ijaw man called German,
Comes home every Saturday evening,
To put back in it place.
Gosh, it was so painful.

11

Had to cut my hair,

Mum says long hair is prohibited in my new school,

The truth is: She justs wants me.

to focus all my attention on my books.

12
I walk shirtless into the bathroom,
Ease myself and examine my face,
The tribal marks remain,
I walk back to my room,
Mum reminds me of my protruding boobs,
I never walk shirtless around the house again,
I am self-conscious.

13
Boarding school
Nickname: Breakable
I was thin, tall and frail
And still very self-conscious,
Boils leave marks on my smooth slightly bowlegs

14
Food and drugs add no flesh
To my skinny body,
Just my cheeks,
menarche appears

1999
Out of school
The thin and dark damsel,
I used to be gave way,
to light and chubby new me,
Venus relaxer disflowers my soft vigin hair.
I started blooming,
I smiled at all the compliments I received,
But did not believe any of it.

2001
My first ride on an okada,
The silencer scalds my left ankle,
I forsake my short skirts and mini gowns.
Long skirts and trousers conceal my scar.
1st love,2nd real kiss,
Fill me with wonder.


2005
Mummy brings to my notice,
I am adding weight!
What?! What!?
I run to the mirror,
My thin thighs had become hips!
I have hips.
Hips, hips, hooray!

2006,
I'm not so conscious anymore,
Tribal marks, birthmarks, body frame,
Nothing really disturbs me,
My body is not just nipples & vulva
She has brains. She has soul
She is not a source of shame.


2007
Working late,
Eating late,
My flat tummy is becoming bulgy
Exercise every morning,
To keep my tummy in and bum out,
My freedom dress fits perfectly
I love my body, It is my story, I love me.

Show me your body, Tell me your story.