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Here
I Come
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Cosmas Ekejiuba
Ladies and gentlemen, having been introduced or intimated about this soul express project for quite sometime now and having been unable to send an entry or make any contribution due to foreseen and unforeseen circumstances, wish to use this opportunity to introduce myself to you and say, here I come. This aspect of ‘here I come’ is very necessary since in my place, the Ibo land of Eastern Nigeria in West Africa, nobody ever enters a house without a knock on the door. Anybody who violates this custom has violated two important traditions of not taking permission from the door to pass through it and failing to announce his presence, and consequently can be viewed as having ulterior motive either to spy or steal.
God forbid that I should throw away the inheritance of my father, the son of a king is a prince and the son of a lion is a lion, so it is and has ever been. Thank you very much. I love you guys. Be blessed.
First of all I must say, compliment of the season, no, let me put it straight, ‘Happy Christmas’.
In this episode, ‘here I come’ I will be frank and will tell you the truth, nothing but the truth as has been my usual life and character.
The truth about me is that I am not much educated in white man’s language with which this expression must be made though it is not my fault, but still hope and beg that you bear with me. Despite this obstacle, it is still my desire to make contributions to this soul expression project for the single reason that not only I love but believe in the initiator and editor of this project.
Secondly, it will afford me the opportunity to associate and interact with the inhabitants and citizens of my number one beloved and darling nation in the world, the United States of America, yes God bless the United States of America. In fact since I was intimated about the soul expression project I have been doubting my strength and eligibility as well as asking myself ‘what do I know to write about’. More also I did feel that making contributions to such a project that involves strange land and people, as it appears to me is like preparing a dish for a person one does not know or have seen before, as it will be very difficult to guess aright his taste. However, sheep said that though she does not know how to dance, but not this one that is happening in her father’s palour. This means that nothing will stop her from dancing that day, not even not knowing how to dance, hence she must ‘jump it and jump it’. So it is in this case.
Sincerely, I do not know how to put it or start but since this is an introduction, permit me to make it brief. I have not forgotten my promise that whatever I shall tell you in this ‘here I come’, shall be the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
My mother insisted that I should be named Christmas because I was born during the Christmas celebration but my father preferred Egbogu which means ‘Peace’ he that settles fight because my birth settled the quarrel, fight and enmity that existed between him and his mother-in-law. Those my youth age grades in those days said that I was trickish and can disappear and appear. Even today some friends say that I am gentle and honest, but my superiors say I am stubborn though hardworking and intelligent yet some others say that I am loving and kind, still it will be very difficult to convince many others that I am not the most wicked person they have come across. Without waiting, my question then is: what am I? I have respect, but no fear knowing that fearful people die many times before their death of course death is necessary and that will come when it will come according to Macbeth and moreover I will not die and therefore do not fear death, because Jesus Christ, the Saviour had died for me on the cross of Calvary many years ago. To his name be the glory. I believe in so many things including God and gods. I am a prophet and an apostle of the most high God. I do not hate nor fear war, but in love with justice and fair play. Any part of the world where justice and fair play is practiced and played is my constituency. A friend once asked me what I hate and like. In fact I was dumb founded, I lacked what to say because I could not understand how to balance hate and like. I did not know what to say, because experience has shown me that sometime I found myself doing those things I hate to do and most often find it extremely hard to do those things I love to do.
Again, I believe that what I hate to do today, I may like tomorrow and what I like today I may also hate tomorrow. A typical human being indeed. Though I hate pride, injustice and suppression I like truth and opendentialism and of course the company of beautiful ladies among other things I have respect for those guys who will go to any length to dig out the truth, because saying the truth is shaming the devil. I like and cherish those who walk and work with faith and have self confidence and pride believe or know that this world is not our home – just a temporary place and as a result resolve to alleviate peoples’ pains and sufferings as well as taking this life simple will never cease to receive blessings from my father, the great provider and the great Omnipotent.
I am the son of my parents. Then what am I? My hobbies include arguments and quarreling and I have acute hot temper. I am a great traveler and have traveled round the world right here in Nigeria, the land of my birth I love myself for one thing. I do not look down, but up and can never stop doing those things that elevate and dignify, as well as being a source of glory to the one who was, who is and who shall ever be. I am a short man, 5.8m neither black nor white in complexion whose yes or no depends on circumstances. I had already been an orphan before my parents died. At the age my mates would sleep and wet their bed I had started to think what tomorrow would bring. At this age I had been involved in thinking what I would eat, wear or do with my life. When I could not bear any more insults from my juniors and mates I forced myself to school naked but to my shock was driven away like a dog. Do not be surprised to hear that those I love and swore to protect and defend hate me, condemn me and even would have sent me to the great beyond but glory to ‘I am what I am’, who has refused to consent to this hideous plan. Halleluiah! I am poor, but not wretched; single, but not alone, sad, but not sadist. I have lost hope but all is not lost. The truth is that I am weak but have my strength in the Lord of heavens, the ultimate and the last resort from whom everything flows. That is me and here I come.
Friends here I come, stay cool and happy Xmas. Avoid whatever that is rash. Beware of evil practices because of karma and repercussion. Whatever evil or good one does is a seed one puts on the soil. No doubt, it must sprout. It must grow, bear fruit and the sower must reap it, of course at the appointed time.
From the Anthill.
YOU MUST THINK TODAY
Since there was a disagreement in giving me a name when I was born. Anybody who gives me a name (one English word that best describes me according to my character and circumstances will receive a souvenir from me. The entry will close after 30 days of this publication.
Contact me at: cosmaseke@yahoo.com
Thanks and ‘Merry Xmas’.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cosmas Ekejiuba writes from Nigeria, West Africa. He is married to former Miss Mercy Nkeiruka
Onyiriagwu, who hails from the same community - Umunachi Osuh, Mbano; They
are blessed with 5 children namely, Chukwubuike, Chukwudi, Ekendirichukwu, Chukwudozie and Uzochukwu. |
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