CONCEALED

 “I think so many of us feel like we have to keep masks on. We can’t be who we really are. And so I try to be who I really am, so that gives other people permission to be who they really are”. 

-Ruth Graham-

 

---

Living my dream in a lie
At nights, I am covered in cosmetics
The darkness hides me away
From shame, from guilt
I am called plenty vile names by same men that buy from me

The day sees me hunting
Hunting for hope, reaching for a better life
Picking this tool and that job
In a bid to make my life better
My face always looking to the ground
Praying in tongues & crying for a new life

Nightfall draws nigh again
I douse my face a little thicker
To hide away my tears
To make me look good for these men
The ones that call me vile names
All my tears, all my fears
Concealed beneath these cosmetics

---

Ma’ asked me once
You came to this world with a smile
Where did it all go?
I looked at her & shrugged
Pa’ peered through his glasses
I knew that he was going to cuss again
You good for nothing child

I was used to it, the mean demeanor
I was used to it
The tears of the night, the strength of the mornings
I have hid my smile
Far away from my lips
Maybe it’s in my belly
But it is far far from these lips

Ma’ said maybe love could change me
Maybe the Butterflies in my belly will send the smiles back to my lips
But as I stand here in front of Pa’
My smile is concealed far away

 

---

Slowly I loved
Slowly I cared
Like sweet aroma
It crept in & caressed my nostrils

I flew high
To all the places my mind could take me
Tis’ love was a dream
A dream in a dream

The fall was swift
At the speed of a thought
I came crashing
Awoken from my dream
This love scarred me

I covered my eyes,
For it shall see this no more
I blocked my nostrils,
Tis’ aroma it wants no more
All my emotions concealed
Just behind this thin layers

---

I have been told to hide my womaness
You are too bold for a woman
You are talking too smart
Keep quiet when the man is talking

I have hidden behind their words
I have embraced their insecurities
I have steered clear of my dreams for their comfort
I am now like they are

But I say No more, I break free
I remove this mask of pretense
I am a woman, full of life
The one with a dream to change my world
I allow my spirit soar
I take a bold step & set myself free
I am a strong woman, I look at you as one

---

Poetry :  Oluwatobi Oreoluwa
Models :  Dim Adanna & Juliet Opoke
Make-up Artiste :  Christine Okulaja
Hair Stylist :  Abisoye Odunaro
Photography :  Eyitoyosi Onadipe (August Pixels)