I am back, finally!

I am back. I have been away from this page for a while now. At first, I never thought it would last this long but then a week passed. Another followed, and yet another went by. Now I seem to have become stranger with the last time I showed my face here. I am always ready to admit it when I miss something or somebody. So, like in many other instances in the past – I own up – I miss you. My readers. Some of you sent in emails. Others messaged me via texts. Yet others did ring me. It was all to know the reasons behind the decision to reflect my absence more than my presence on this page. Just for a few weeks. It wasn’t a decision. It was a need to stay off for me to remain on this page a little longer. I am thinking. I hope at the end of a time period, it worked. I actually thought I did something – I ensured that no wrecking ball came in contact with my desire to write to you again. I hope to build a strong dam to that effect. But as they say – ‘time will tell’. Again, I hope time will reveal I came to the best decision.

I am honest to accept that fatigue set in. Combining being here on a weekly basis and my regular job, I must admit, isn’t easy. Writing isn’t easy either, especially for us who stumbled into the world of writers by the attack of other forces except fate. Yes, when we are fated, the task always seems to be a little easier. And, very much enjoyable. Observers are mesmerised and on-lookers lavish the fated, especially those that express their skills and talents to the delight of all, with smiles. Now, you can understand the real challenge of being in a world you aren’t destined for. My regular job too has its own pressure. In fact, that is the main pressure in my life for now. I am not complaining, though. I have never been one to complain, especially where I have made the choice. Because I know I can always unmake it, especially whenever things aren’t going my way. I believe the words of the late Afro-beat maestro – Fela Anikulapo-Kuti – ‘one’s fate on earth is essentially one’s choice’. Work is an integral part of our fate here on earth. Where we find ourselves working is our choice, isn’t it? I always ensure I make the choices in my life – anything that has to do with me. I have a feeling – my readers do same. If not, start now!

In the period between the last time I appeared on this page and now, I have experienced mixed bags – some raucous and gruff moments. Some sweet ones. I always take the positives. Always. Also, I have had to refresh many aspects of my work and skills with the pen. With words. Words are tricky. They can be quite friendly and they can easily turn out our worst foes. If one stretches one’s hands in friendship, bang! Words can become your true friends. And then, the party with words begin. Reading is very key route to the establishment of this friendship. A writer is less good if he reads less. So, I have done some more reading. I always do, though. Of course, too, I have written a few stuffs that I will share with you in the weeks ahead. I met old friends. I made new ones. Friends shared their experiences with me. Some new friends shared their worries with me too. A few of them begged not to be talked about here, in this column. I held back, never committing; refusing to give them my words. For they bind me. I, however, assured them they are safe for I will keep their identities hidden – I will tell their stories but not with their true names. Everyone is covered. But I like my readers to learn from the challenges, experiences of others. We should be less in a hurry to make our own mistakes when there are so many in front of us that have capacity to teach us one thing or the other.

A new guy joined my team. He is a jolly good fellow and he’s turning out to be the real jewel in the crown. The other team members have done well rolling out the cooperating carpet. Everyone needs it in a new work environment.

Now back to coming on board again. It is always good to be back. Especially where one calls home because in it is where one finds family in the sense of feelings. Not in the title. You – my readers – are members of my family. Did someone say in the sense of reader and writer and not filial? Well, one message I would love to share with you now that I am back is – let’s not fold up easily, in spite of the opposition for they will always be there. They are constant in life’s hard and meaningful alleyways. It’s true!