I missed her call, three times in a row,
Was in a serious lecture, couldn’t let it show.
With Professor Dike in class, no calls allowed,
But why’s Nemerem calling? I was curious aloud.
My younger sister rarely puts me on call
Just a flash, or some Whatsapp text that’s all
I called back, “Hello, Chinemerem, what’s the fuss today?
Hope all’s well, why this sudden display?”
“Just checking up on you,” her voice seemed light,
She said “How are you doing, you emotionally alright?”
Emotionally alright? What did she mean by that?
“When did you last talk to Nora?” she went on and asked
“Nora’s getting married,” she dropped a bomb,
“Her Bride Price ceremony is next Saturday’s dawn.”
“What are you saying?” With my voice with dread,
“Bro, your girl’s marrying a man from abroad,” she said.
This must be a joke!!
I called Nora twice, no answer, just pain,
Called her roommate, she uttered the following refrain.
“Nora has gone home to Nkwelle – her place,
To prepare for the wedding in a few days”
The wedding??
I chartered a Keke, agreed on a price with no debate
With the innocent rider, ₦4,800 to go seal my fate
We did speed through so many miles
From Awka to Nkwelle, no time for smiles
En route, I called Nora again, still didn’t pick,
“What the fvck is going on” my voice felt thick.
Reached Nkwelle Junction, time had flown,
Three hours gone, but my heart felt alone.
She looked so beautiful, elegantly graced
Eyes like charm, innocence on her face.
Lips pink as petals, her figure is divine
God truly made and crafted her like a sign.
“Hi Arinze, what’s up” her voice like a song,
“I’m fine, been trying to reach you for so long.”
She knew why I came, her eyes filled with sorrow,
She said “My family needs this, for a better tomorrow.”
She started “Henry’s helped us, his support’s been grand,
Our education, our lives, the future he planned.
To repay him now, marriage is the key,
Please understand, this isn’t about me.”
Her words blurred together, with only pain in my chest,
She continued “I didn’t want this, but it’s for the best.
Henry wants to travel back, so needs it done fast
Bride price ceremony is Saturday, will you come? She asked
I sat there numbly, with my heart breaking apart,
My chest felt hot, like a bomb detonating in my heart.
Before I could speak, a car pulled near
Henry arrived. I wish I could disappear
Nora introduced us, “Dear this my good friend and mate,
His name is Arinze from Nkwelle” what a twist of fate!
Henry smiled “Nice to meet you,” he said,
I felt my dreams shatter, hopes left me for dead.
I found my leave and took it, to save their time,
My heart was in pieces, Love seemed like a crime
Nora promised to call, but what’s left to say?
My world had crumbled, how did I go astray.
How I returned to my lodge that day was a mystery
My heart was torn apart, all I felt was misery
Bye, Nora! twas good but our chapter is done
This is a tale of sorrow, and love on the run
Chikamso Okoye
(‘Bye Nora’: A short story by Chikamso Okoye (2020), adapted into poetry (2024))
