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THE SISTERS

1/5/2021

6 Comments

 
By Roseline Mgbodichinma Anya Okorie
Picture
Stress warning: The following contains material relating to mental health struggles and trauma in no particular order, which may be triggering to victims and survivors
They say when depression                                Signatures the brain
It means something from hell has watermarked perception     They take her to the sanctuary,
Where there are bells to deafen the voices echoing in her head.
Rosary on the neck,                                        holy water sprinkled  
For Satan to slip and fall.  She is murmuring       & speaking of lost times             
Her eyes are twitching in wonder,                 calling out every secret
Said her sister’s husband struggled to kiss her womanhood 
Said her other sister’s body is restitution for lost men -


Always turning fetuses into blood.
They need her to shut up                   so, they spiral into unknown tongues
Flog fear into her till she wails as a sign of answered prayers,
Decades later, she is found picking dirt off the streets -
Sucking on rotten fruit,     she is more silent now
The sisters drive by after every sermon to throw her a loaf
In this place, therapy means giving a dime
To a stranger who shouldn’t give a damn about your business
Better she sleeps facing the clouds
Than wear a hospital robe - for something so metaphysical 

6 Comments
Joy link
5/5/2021 09:58:44 am

This was an interesting read and provided the uncomfortable insight into the topic that is mental health in Africa.

It addresses a possible precipitating factor and the not so quick fix solution that many have made religion to be. We're gradually getting there.. the part where we admit that mental health is a thing and one that needs no shame, secrecy or religious blackmail.

A very brilliant write up, I wished it was longer, I'd read the entire book!

Reply
Kharimat
8/5/2021 07:29:37 am

This is an intriguing post.
It portrays how the society is afraid of the truth and how it treats the ones who speak the truth or support the truth as a threat to them.

Reply
Ayodeji Adetokunbo
8/5/2021 11:31:01 am

This is a reality of the state we find ourselves in Africa. A situation where standing and speaking the truth seems like a crime.
Nice writeup

Reply
Rahmah
12/5/2021 03:08:34 pm

As always, Nigeria and Africa at large does not want to take mental health serious. We need more enlightenment on the topic and that's why people struggling with one thing or the other will not speak, for fear of being put through to this 'solutions' that are certainly more damaging than the mental health illness itself.

We need to continue writing about this so that we know, we see and we find the best solutions to mental health.

Reply
Chioma Azubuike
31/5/2021 04:47:22 pm

I love this poem!

Firstly, the writers form of writing is exceptional, and her use of words is quite captivating.

This poem explores how African we are; how we, because of religion, run away and quiet matters concerning mental health.
It expressed how mental health issues is seen more like a demonic ailment that should be exorcised, instead of a health challenge that should be treated carefully and diligently.

The writer's perspective is quite refreshing and her form of poetry is uncommon.

Great work!

Reply
Alexandra
1/6/2021 02:30:09 am

I think what the writer is trying to unveil is how our society is been caged with lies nobody wants to hear truth because of its aftermath.
Nice work

Reply



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  • Publications
    • Anthologies >
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      • 2020 Why I Write
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  • Submit
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    • Nigerian Writers Database
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    • SWAP >
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