I have walked through quiet trees
The ones that stand tall, caressing the clouds
The ones whose leaves silently fall and become dust
The massive and mighty ones
Yet they mourn their dead in the wake of thick nights
I have crossed rivers on the bent backs of their roots
Slippery like words of death echoing through empty churches
In waters they feed on I have washed the sweat off my skin
Each drop a mundane necessity to the world where I will never be found
I have read words of the wise men
Men who led kingdoms to war and celebrated over the bodies of their brothers
Men who held hands of their daughters on their left
And shackles around their wives’ necks on their right
I have tripped over the vocabulary of justice and learned of boundaries in chastising
I have prayed like I was taught to bend my body to listen to the chants
To slit my cords and hum to the chants
To drape my eyes and follow the sounds of the chants
Until all I am are echoes of their chants
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Olangui’s journey began in 2017. For a long time, her work remained private—until Bella, a friend and soulmate sister, entered the picture. Bella became a guiding force, through the toughest moments of their writing journey. Together, they became Olabell, a symbol of their deep bond and shared passion. Together, they hope everyone finds their own kindred spirit—someone who inspires, uplifts, and believes in them. Welcome to their writing journey.
