New Book: JEMIMAH - Look up and see

Dear Friend,

Jemimah is a compilation of short narrative poetry that speaks volumes of what she has suffered. It is not only about the suffering, but also about the challenges she has overcome and is overcoming. I had the help of friends who have witnessed her chaos and doubts, and they have written the stories they have found on her sleeves. They are still writing to tell of her woes and her glory. They are amazing writers and I love them. I love them because they have found their voice and have chosen to speak even though their throat sometimes feels clogged up. I love them because they chose to write, as I have chosen to, the tales of Jemimah. 

But this is not the reason for writing this letter. 

Writing about Jemimah, was a challenge and still is. Why is that so? I met Jemimah when she was beautiful and innocent. I met her when she knew no pain. Now, she is… Today, she is a reflection of beauty and tomorrow, I see the beast in her eyes again; like a hungry lion seeking the flesh of her foes. You shouldn’t blame her for this. If you have walked a mile in her shoes, you’d approve her choices. 

Writing about her would be an attempt to judge her. Writing about her would be an attempt to condemn her; to say she is nothing near beauty. And it is for these reasons that I once ignored her stories. 

This piece is not to prove my creativity or my ability to mess with words. This is a deliberate attempt to doubt my fears. I have decided to leave that place of thinking about my fears and what I can or cannot do. My fears and doubt have no momentum to withhold this story from being told. I am learning to doubt my fears, “what if they don’t exist?” 

For me this is a journey. So even though I am uncertain of what tomorrow would be, I sure know that it is better to empty my bowl before it is too late. 

I dare you to write her story too. I dare you to tell of the tsunami ravaging her emotions. I dare you to jump. I dare you to doubt your fears too.

Download book by clicking >>> Here <<<

Thanks for reading,

Andrew Osas Igbineweka