Musing of a Random Lagos Bus Hopper

As much as I hear complaints about the state of buses in Lagos, it has become a fun thing I do. so I would implore everyone who has a car to experience what the "other half" go through, well..before you feel too self important, I would like to remind you, how you used to get on these buses you loathe now..

I was in a bus going home after the hard labor at work and the driver made it the highlight of my boring day, I got to the bus stop and the scene played out like this

"Ajah market!!!...wole pelu #200"..the conductor who is an old man shouted.
Thankful that I got a bus, hurried in before I  would spend eternity getting a bus.going my way. I am certain that all the bus drivers held a meeting to only go half way: mainly Jakande/Chevron
"Your side"...the conductor told the driver, the conductor forgot to settle the Agbero" waiting at the bus stop.
"Abi o ya were, O so ara e" the agbero made a move to take out something of worth inside the bus
" Ode ni e"  I wo oloshi; shey  iru ise yi lo le fi le fun awon omo e, emi baba mi lo ko mi ni ise yi"the driver retorted

Did you get all that? oh well, the job of translating  isn't so fancy but would try it do that we can all be on the same page

"Ajah market...enter with your #200" the conductor who is an old man shouted
Thankful that I got a bus, hurried in before I would spend eternity getting a bus going my way. I am certain that all the bus drivers held a meeting to only go half way: Jakande/Chevron
"Your side"( meaning the driver should drive out)the conductor forgot to settle the Agbero"( guys who collect money from conductors for every trip they go) waiting at the bustop.
" Are you mad? you had better be careful" the agbero made a move to take out something of worth inside the bus
" you are stupid" you are crazy. can you pass on this kind of work to your children in future? my father taught me this job".the driver retorted

I think I did a great job.


Mehn....I couldn't just contain myself, I thought I was the only one, we all cracked up...after all the ruckus, we calmed down and had a debate about it....i mean me and the other passengers inside the bus

like really, strangers bonding.... it sure was a deal breaker for me...and a beginning for more of this.
Taking out my blog bible and placing my right hand on it, I say.
I, Nancy hereby solemnly swear to always take the bus, I promise to take a writing pad with me when I do so I can write and capture the moments.

Are You Ready for Love? or Already in Love?

I have had India Arie's "Ready for love" song on repeat since I heard it. in-case you haven't heard it, i took the liberty of uploading  the link.http://www.dilandau.eu/download-songs-mp3/ready-for-love-india-arie/1.html ( you are welcome).

India Arie is soul, and the song is a testament to that, so if you like acoustic-this song you will love.

it is open, stripped and deep and it got me wondering, if really love is such a Big thing one has to be ready for!
Kelly Rowland puts in her song( forgive, I can't remember the title)  but has lines that says....
                   love lives in strange places
                   its the area we never choose
                   it might find us when we least expect it
                   we never know until we just let go

So then people, Two strong women can't be wrong!!!

The world as I see it in my mind doesn't exactly add up, we all crave companionship, we want freindship, we really love to be in sync..you know the butterfly feelings all those characters  in harlequin,mill and boons have? yes exactly....who doesn't want that.

However, to love is to be loved; that ain't no theory people, it is fact.

You Answer

You call, we whisper

We call, You answer

Never letting go

Your love is unshaken even if we think No

Some have searched yonder

Others serve the one called thunder

Even though we haven’t seen

Even when most never seem keen

Lusting instead..the things of the flesh

They become entangled…as in a mesh

For those who know

You make us whole

You never let our foot hit against a stone

You knew us before we came

You know our needs before we say hey

Your promises endureth

Of this we are sureth

When we call, You answer.

Loose

No sooner had he left
The ache and desperation my heart felt
Never thought I could feel vulnerable
Always thought the fortress I built was impenetrable 

Always holding back
Just so it wouldn't hurt when you decide to pack
Before my "naked" eyes
The love you showed melted the ice

I was headstrong,just couldn't give in yet
Hence treated you like dirt
Patiently you waited
Like you knew I wouldn't get enough once sated

Finally I decided to give you something I always do to insufferable people
Gave you a chance to prove me wrong
Out of my misery, the truth was wrung

Oh! I could sing a song
Of the times we had
On autopilot,our love blossom
Oh! How awesome

Thanks for being the irritable person you were
Never giving up on us
I would be eternally grateful
Because with you I'm hopeful

You taught me a valuable lesson
Always fight for what you want
Never give up on love
Can't wait to make an honorable out of you!

short poem

She told me I was lazy
Said she seen my future and it looks hazy
Thank God, for his grace I am here
She dares not come close out of fear
..............................
If only I had today
Would I will it away?
If only I were rich
Would I still preach?
If only I could see the world
Would I still be bored?
If only I had it all
Would I rest on my oars?

Naivete

Drowning in a sea of emotion
Clowning in the midst of confusion 
If only they knew 
How he flew
Now it's not just only a question of how
But where to plow

Wailing in the heat of desperation
Crying in company of their companion
Waiting for an answer
Even as they sit and wonder

Green with envy they sit
Cuss words they spit
If only they thought to ask
He would have taken them up to the task.

Mirror on her wall

Preening In her bedroom mirror
Sashaying even though she's a minor
Batting her eyelids like she can attract boys
Even though she outgrown her love for toys 

Entranced the society was
Jostling for attention as she waltz
Craning their necks to steal a glance
Ready to thrust their opponent with a lance 

Thrashing around In an attempt to evade
the strong hold of the master's chain
Ready to embark on the road the dreams paved
hoping to win the battle she craved
To put an end to the longing
Free to do her bidding

Abused

Uptight you are
You have become nocturnal like an owl
Like an addict with the pill
Waiting for the kill
I question 
The absurdity behind your action
Only to be told 
She walked out and left you in the cold
Thus you closed your heart 
To cupid's dart
Hard lines replaces the upturn smile your face once radiated
Your eyes like a shutter,hiding the laughter once seen
Your lips like a dagger,erasing the memory of the soothing word it held
Your vice-like grip assaulting the tender touch it once knew.
As I struggle to comprehend
Am overwhelmed by your grief
Yet finding ways to amend
And thaw the cold and lonely path you walk
So here I am saying: let's talk

Freedom, she craves

Eyes wide shut
Lips drawn in a pout
Fingers locked together in a clasp
Hair imprisoned in a wrap
Kneels held together in a clamp
Body clothed in a rag
Who am I ?
I have become a slave.
It's name indelible it carves
Maiming my body, but never my spirit.
Oh! freedom I crave.
With tears running down my face.
My feet ready for flight.
Wary not of the dangers of the night.
Thirsting for a glimpse of light.

The Search

Wandering man!
What thou seeketh
A bed to lay thy head
Or a warm meal to fill thy belly

Brady man!
What thou seeketh
The luxury of wealth
Or an established name

Wearied man!
What thou seeketh
A place to call home
Or a babe to soothe thy pain

Sleeping man
What thou seeketh
The comfort of a safe world
Or the escape of reality