The Metamorphosis

As small as a dot on a board

So little and inconsequential

Fragile as porcelain glass

Yet it stayed safe without a scratch

Constantly I had dreams of my aspirations

And awoke each day with enormous joy in my heart

The world was mine for the taking or so they said

All I had to do was be patient and await my time

My plan was foolproof

Success isn’t so hard after all

I guarded my ideas and thoughts

Just like an egg

I handled them with care

For to me, they were more precious than silver and gold

Ready for the big break I had always thought about

But unfortunately, it was not ready for me

I was told that I was a joker

I was told that I wasn’t equipped with the right skills

I was told that it was impossible

I was told that it was good but I was in the wrong environs

I was confused and hurt

For I had dwelt on these ideas for too long

I had analysed and produced a solid plan

But in a matter of seconds I had taken a beat down

Torn apart by the wolves on the street

Just like a caterpillar sawing through a green leaf

I had been masticated and spat out

Back to the drawing board

I was going to construct a greater plan

What do they say about lemons and lemonade again?

I wasn’t going to let anything get me down

But I was going to use all that negativity to elevate myself

My days were spent working

Nights were spent burning oil

Pleasures were denied

For I knew exactly what I wanted

The sun was shining and I was determined to make hay

I could afford no rest

Even the pupa was not resting in its cocoon

It was in a transformation process

I was changing but I didn’t know just yet

The glorious future ahead of me

I was waiting to see just like everyone else

Unlike everyone else I was expectant

I didn’t quite know when it happened

I went about my normal activities for the day

I had just finished a pitch

And I was awaiting my fate

Then I noticed my surroundings

People were staring at me

I could also hear the hush of silent whispers

As soon as I returned their stares

Some bowed their heads in shame of having being caught

Others offered a smile to my confused look

I had no idea what was going on

Through the transparent doors of the boardroom

I could see the heads of the ‘Ogas’ nodding with excitement

At that point I knew

I had become a full-blown butterfly.

Oluwaseyi Lawal