Let us pretend.

Let us pretend that our leaders are palliating our suffering,

that they are mollifying every sadness that grows in us.

 

Let us pretend.

Let us pretend that our stomachs aren’t empty,

that the worms in our bellies aren’t feeding on our flesh,

that cataract of grief hasn’t clouded our eyes.

 

Let us pretend.

Let us pretend that our economy isn’t crumbling,

that dollars isn’t rising like a yeasted dough,

that the cost of living isn’t strangling the living.

 

Let us pretend.

Let us pretend that our education is well funded,

that our lecturers aren’t hungry,

that our graduates are getting what they deserve,

that our curriculum is enough for us.

 

Let us pretend.

Let us pretend that there aren’t religious crises,

that NYSC has united every tribe,

that our country is a symbol of unity.

 

Let us pretend.

Let us pretend that we are safe,

that the man in Black is our friend,

that bandits aren’t turning us into citizens of IDP camps,

that they aren’t slaughtering the bodies of our neighbours

like the meatsellers in abattoir.

 

Let us pretend.

Let us pretend that we practise democracy,

that election is free and fair,

that justice seekers aren’t thrown behind bars,

that, in our country, the synonym for activism isn’t death.

 

Let us pretend.

Let us pretend that the children didn’t die,

that adults weren’t trampled to death,

that those who seek daily bread aren’t returning in blood.

 

Let us pretend.

Let us pretend that exodus ended in the bible,

that diaspora isn’t desirable to our kinsmen,

that home is where you find comfort.

 

Let us pretend.

Let us pretend that change will come tomorrow,

that our country will turn a new leaf,

that better days are within our reach.

 

Let us pretend.

Let our hands carry our jaws

and watch till our saviour comes.

 

About the Author

Olobo Ejile is a poet, writer, and researcher. His writings explores themes of love, grief, trauma, and the fleeting nature of life. Aside from writing, he derives pleasure from singing. His works are recently published (or are forthcoming) in ANA, Fiction Niche, among others.

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