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
