Read Time:48 Second
You don’t have to send your feet running—
not even when the animal breaks free of its leash.
Brother, the world is already disillusioned,
its crushed promises pressed into your palm.
When we pray, it’s not for brisk answers—
sometimes, it is for the absence of want.
Sometimes, it is for the silence.
The truth is knowing how this loss
has taken a scalpel to your heart.
Brother, search it—
x-ray your wants.
Still, you will see disappointment
waiting just beyond the threshold.
Tell me, why cling to what drags your feet
when you can rise—seven times, and again?
Just—
pause.
Pause.
& forget where the ache began.
Ferdinand Emmanuel Somtochukwu, Swan XXI, is a young emerging Nigerian poet and essayist. He is currently studying English Language at Lagos State University. He has works published or forthcoming in Arts Longue, D’ LitReview, Poetry Column, Poetry Sango-Ota, Isele and elsewhere. Connect with him on X @EmmanuelSomto17.
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