Without courage we cannot practice any virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest ÔÇô Dr. Maya Angelou.
My soul was all jubilant this past Saturday, the 28th of May 2016, as I joined the world to remember Dr. Maya Angelou. I could not help but notice how her personal story now mirrors ours as a nation. The Sebina saga is our story. It is a story that binds our collective conscience. It is a narrative of shame and sorrow that has caused us to reckon with ourselves. To wonder, to ponder, as far as our diversity can carry us. And whichever way one wonders and ponders, the story of the nameless girl in Sebina who caused a nation to confront itself, is Maya Angelou’s. Our Maya Angelou.
Still she rises, Maya Angelou!
The nations of the world chant ‘rise Maya, rise!’
Still, the caged bird sings.
The nations of the world scream ‘sing lil’ birdie, sing!’
They say in unison,
‘Rise and sing,
Sing for joy, for sorrow pays no mind to tears.
Sing lil’ birdie until the locks of your cage implode,
Until the smithereens of your shackles melt into nothingness,
Rise like enchanting golden flames,
Leaping, licking the darkness yonder
Leaping wide like a black ocean;
Welling and swelling,
Rising from a past that’s rooted in pain and shame,
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear;
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear!’
This, our Maya Angelou, is our story. We must forgive ourselves, if we are to get past this in singular peace. Indeed true justice is penance of the heart of one’s soul. Finger pointing will not fix us, for who amongst us could dare be the first to point? Let us pave a better environment for our Maya Angelou’s unborn child. It is only us, Rona Batho, who can do that. This is the only way we shall not forget!
*Dr. Maya Angelou, 04th April 1928 – 28th May 2014 – MHSRIP.
**This piece is fused with parts of Dr. Maya Angelou’s work.
