AT MY OLD SECONDARY SCHOOL

I was at my old secondary school today,

And it felt surreal,

Like I’m almost surprised that I once walked these walls,

Once sat on these broken chairs,

And witnessed everything, torn roofs, doors, and even buildings.

I could recall the familiar sound of Uncle Obi’s stern warning

Not to be seen near the dilapidated buildings at the back,

As though the whole school wasn’t a sprawling estate

Of crumbling walls barely holding up.

I was at my old secondary school today,

And it felt like a decade had passed

Since I last wore one of those neatly pressed uniforms,

With my head held high,

Dreaming and believing I was a goddamn genius.

I could still recall the Wednesday assemblies,

Where we chanted half-heartedly the national anthem

Translated into French as though it was our father’s tongue

Singing absolute nonsense but oblivious.

We used to call it "French Day."

I was at my old secondary school today,

And the trees seemed thinner, the field's grass—grey.

It’s been only three years,

But I can hardly recognize the version of me

Who once walked these walls.

I could still remember how we dug up the JET Club signboard

In front of the labs, the hard work it took.

Seeing it now, broken and helpless, felt strange.

There was a club I loved with all my heart!

Dearest reader, do you ever wonder

Why memories seem like a faraway time,

Even when they were just yesterday?

Alas, life happens every single day,

And we evolve.

@favvy_Okwans🖤.