ROMANCE: "IN BETWEEN REAL AFFECTIONS: LET’S CALL THEM MARRIED” BY AJAKAYE STRIDA

Let’s call them married!

They graved their imperfections,

and forgave their overreactions of love,

interlocking the fruits of the flesh

with the warmth of Biblical instructions,

like balm and cold skins.

Let’s call them married!

Their marriage is smartly due

if intentions are sincere.

Procrastination is only a lazy train,

for those whose hearts haven’t decided yet,

not “we will marry”; but rather “we are married”.

Let’s call them married!

They are calm when right,

and apologetic when wrong,

systematic in reasoning

and gradual in action,

dirty thoughts never spread on public wires.

Let’s call them married!

Reciprocating each other like water and seed,

vigilance is their call,

towards the emotional status of each other,

a marriage of two,

those who live love true.

Let’s call them married!

Their union is a morning after mourning,

love flourishing straight up,

never intimidated by each other’s glory,

her dream is his dream,

his success is her success.

RASHIDAT OLAMIDAYO AJAKAYE

STRIDA... guiding you to striking confidence in academic and creative writing!

- Nigeria

The poet persona says marriage does not take too much of promises before it is done. Such that, the couples are straightforward and bothered about not only emotional balance but also the fulfilled future of each other. 

DR. ODE'S REJOINDER:

Let’s call them married because they are.

Not partners;

Not living together; 

Not shacking up;

Not living in sin,

Just married!

Never mind their devotion or connection or seeming commitment. 

We call them married because and only because, they are.

Married to the church,

In church,

By temoshi or nikkai,

In the presence of our forefathers and eight mothers- 

Marriage is a thing.

And the only thing that is marriage is marriage 

So, let us call them married, because they are and not because of the trappings and effects and other simpering felicitations!