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In Conclusion of The Lockdown Series

by Eden Benibo

Joy. Tears. Laughter. Pain. Death. Life
Lately, I’ve been taking deep breathes. A whole lot has been happening, but in all, more than ever before, I’ve come to realize the power of telling our own stories.
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Over 70 Lockdown Stories • 11 Countries • 1 Anthology

Featured Art By: CoilyandCute

Countries: Nigeria • Ghana • Burundi • Italy • USA • United Kingdom • Sweden • Cyprus • Ecuador • Turkey • Sudan
I’ve been working on a collection of lockdown stories. It has been most fulfilling and awe inspiring thus far.
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…and some day, when all this is over, we would look back and smile.
Because we came through it all.
And whilst the DEATH that came with COVID-19, we were a part of a LIFE birthed.
The birth of an anthology that carries: Our Stories • Our Song • Our Truth
An Anthology that would tell our stories even long after we are gone.
An Anthology that would sing our songs to generations yet unborn.
An Anthology that would serve as a fountain of the truth of how we lived through the days of COVID-19.
How it came. How we saw. And how we conquered.
Hey, if you have survived through the beginning of the COVID-19 phase till date, then you have conquered a lot in your own unique way. You are a Champ!
COVID19 • Rape • Murder • Crime • Fear •Uncertainty
Has life always been this fragile?
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…glad to have covered over 70 different stories all beautiful in their uniqueness.
Stories of:
how we fought wars that bring peace.
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how our health workers led this war.
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how the COVID-19 days masked more than our faces. Masked more than illness.
Covered evil • Deceptions
World Rape • Murder • Word Depopulation • Crime • Pillage
•Racism:
(because “the true dis-ease is our disconnectedness)
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how some of us looked fear in the eyes and went on with our WEDDINGS. Rewriting our love stories. Because ” most times, the WILL is all we need.”
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how the days of COVID-19 badly burnt the homeless, the poor and even the rich. Yet, the scars only served as a map to thrive beyond all odds.
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how we adjusted to the new normal, and rose above the boredom, setbacks, depression.
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how many stayed: Productive • Creative • Charitable
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how more than ever before, we cherished each passing time, knowing how fragile life is, especially with the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
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how some of us added weight physically, while some others added mentally. All beautiful
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how the lockdown was a worldwide holiday. A time to breathe. A time to pause in a fast paced world. A time to learn, unlearn and relearn. A time to rethink and restrategize. A life changing time in all.


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how the lockdown made “sugar and salt battle for dominance in a chilled glass of water.”
COVID-19 hunts at neither a particular race, gender, age nor religion or status, but blood.- Humanity.
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how we lived in a phase filled with so much uncertainties. It was never easy, yet we hoped “we would be proud we never went on lockdown in our hearts and minds.”
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how we searched for God in all of this, not knowing he was right there in our actions and inactions. The kindness, love, hope shared. Our God in all magnificence was right there in all these little things that matter the most. And there lies the answers.
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On The Stories Published
At first, I thought 30 would be the highest number of published stories for the Anthology. But the stories kept coming. Each story so unique, making me tell more people, who told more people.
And here we are now! 😊
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I AM UTTERLY GRATEFUL

-To God, for the strength and (vibes) to carry on with this project till the end, even on days when life seemed like an empty bottle floating on the oceans.

-Grateful, for the impacts made beyond my wildest imaginations.

-Grateful to everyone who is a part of this.
Your stories reached even places (countries) you and I have probably never been to.
You touched a heart you do not even know by simply telling your own story!
You. Are. Amazing 🏆


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Long Live Our Stories• Our Songs• Our Truth
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Cheers! To the history preserved, for days when memory may fail.
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Cheers! To the stories that would serve as a map for the journey towards a brighter future.
A guide from where we are, to where we ought to be.
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Cheers! To Us.

Much love,
Eden Benibo.

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My Lockdown Story – Omotola Ogunsola

by Omotola Ogunsola

A Lockdown Story
By: Omotola Ogunsola

A lockdown? No an array of open doors!
Just months ago, I was only keen on taking regular lectures in school and hoping to make very good grades for the first semester of my final year in masters program.
Well, my entire goal could only have been within these margins.
Ask me, if I’m the same man in June. No, absolutely not!

However, before next month is over, I would have become a full stack web developer, read 3 books that have changed my entire course in life, worked on my design skill as an Architect and refreshed my portfolio to International standards.

In all, here there seems to be a set back, there is much more answer to him who listens.

Omotola, Nigeria.

A Note From Eden: Dear Tola,
I hope you know you carry so much sunshine too bright to be hidden. The light you carry, pierces through, illuminating dark paths. I hope you remember you’re an epitome strength, brilliance and triumph in all magnificence. I hope you really do know/remember, because when I see you, I see these lights flashing. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Oji Naomi Emuejevuoke

by Oji Naomi Emuejevuoke

A Lockdown Story
By: Oji Naomi Emuejevuoke

The earth has been on a very long slumber. A very unpredictable one at that! It all began when the virus known as CORONA was discovered in 2019 and thus, had it’s name COVID-19. This was said to have first been discovered in a town known as WUHAN in China.

Rumour has it that the cause of the virus was because the people of Wuhan eats bat, live rodents and the likes.

At first, the virus was in every continent except Africa. Oh! Who knows? Maybe the virus was scared of Africans! I guess we all thought we were lucky enough to be left out in the pandemic until late March, 2020. Nigeria had her first case of COVID-19 in Lagos, and gradually it spread across the country, which resulted to a supposed two weeks lockdown in the affected states.

My place of residence, Edo State was among the affected areas. Well, the lockdown which initially was just for two weeks turned into months.

Image By: Namnso Ukpanah

Life during the lockdown wasn’t easy, especially for those who weren’t financially buoyant. Citizens were asked to stay indoors on self isolation. Obviously, staying indoors wouldn’t put food on the table for some citizens, although the president mentioned feeding people during the lockdown.

How could there be a lockdown when the rate of poverty in our dear country is extremely high? How could there be a lockdown when we have street kids all over the country? How could there be a lockdown when some people need to work everyday including Sundays in order to be able to have at most two meals a day! Where would those street kids go to? Shelter wasn’t provided for them. We want to curb the virus when we haven’t made a single plan in curbing a greater disease, POVERTY!

Image By: Ouinuchi Ejiohuo

I’m not against the lockdown. My point is, proper measures were supposed to have been taken before the lockdown. Shelter for homeless persons in the country were meant to have been provided. Is it one who can’t afford shelter for himself that would deem it necessary or prolly even have the money to buy a face mask? If these unsheltered persons roam about, only Heaven would save the GIANT OF AFRICA.

We’re meant to be social distancing, but I watched a video I guess it was broadcasted also, somewhere in Lagos State, food items were being distributed amongst people who were not masked, even though the distributors were properly masked.
The people were more than two hundred!
As I said earlier, these persons weren’t masked at all. The rules regarding social distancing were not maintained at all, as they all looked like sardine packed in a small container.

On proper planning, the food items could have been shared in a more civilized way, without risking the health of citizens.

Students of various institutions have been at home for almost three months! What measure has been put in place to make sure these students are not moved backward academically? Is it the proposed virtual class we heard of but never had? Is our dear country too poor to afford virtual classes for all students and pupils of various institutions? The reason is not even farfetched. Many of our leaders are so engrossed in the sweetness of money and affluence, blinded by corruption.

But the good thing about the lockdown is, I was able to attend webinars which on a normal day I wouldn’t have been able to attend, because of lectures and all. I did acquire skills which would help me even after the lockdown.
This virus is beyond MASKING. Crimes are being committed. People are being murdered. Some are being raped! The world needs more than a mask to save us from these VIRUSES, God help us.

A Note From Eden: Dear Naomi,
You blew my mind! It’s been just few weeks of knowing you, yet, it feels like a lifetime. In duality, I stand in awe and excitement of everything you reflect. In all beauty, courage, brilliance and simplicity, you glow from inside out. Your empathy is a reflection of the sunshine you carry.
You. Are. Beyond. Golden. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Prisca Nosike

by Prisca Nosike

A Lockdown Story

By: Prisca Nosike

From watching the media analyze the impact of a novel virus ravaging China through the West to hearing it’s in the neighborhood…

I wasn’t aware of the reality on ground, just enervated with the stress of my daily schedule and all I needed was a break.

Then the break came, work and public life was shuttered till further notice.

Almost excited, I took the time off as a vacation!
It was cool for sometime until reality began to dawn on me.

The heightened uncertainty.
Not knowing if or when it’ll end.
Not knowing when normal life will begin or what the new normal will be like.

In all this time, we’ve all been almost compelled to understand that most things we chase about are not as important as our health, family and humanity.

Still, I’m grateful for life and the privilege to be part of it all.
I’m hopeful that just like every other season of life:
This too will pass…

A Note From Eden: Dear Prisca,
I see you, I see a masterpiece of beauty, brilliance and truth. And these three are all reflected in your lockdown story. As you stay “grateful for life and the privilege to be part of it all.” I am grateful for you, the giftedness of life. I am grateful because the world is blessed to have you shine your light in hearts and minds, through this seemingly dark times. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

 

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My Lockdown Story – Ben Mario

by Mario Ben

A Lockdown Story

By: Ben Mario 

It all started like a rumour.
Videos, skits and clips all for the humour,
We heard there was a new virus called Corona,
It had made its way to Nigeria, all the way from China.

We were sensitized through various News Media that there was no cause for panic,
but eventually the World Health Organisation announced that we
were now facing a Global Pandemic!
This new development spread fast and filtered through towns.

We were told to prepare for a period of total lockdown.
Those who could afford it, engaged in ‘panic’ buying,
while those who were worse off turned to stealing, begging and crying.

I had to personally cancel my already planned road trip to the East. Resigning myself to the new “normal”, was all I could do in the
least.

– B A E

A Note From Eden: Dear Mario,
Firstly, I have always known you to be an expert in sprinkling bits of poetry in your stories, and this one her isn’t an exception. From the overflow of the brilliance you effortlessly carry, your lockdown story is a reflection of so much wittiness whilst its brevity. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Thrive on Champ!

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My Lockdown Story – Collette Obi

by Collette Obi

A Lockdown Story
By: Collette Obi

My lockdown story has really been ‘something’.

The house feels it too.
Cold beds going warm and windows welcoming air.

Now I see the true meaning of family time.
I get a lot of opportunity to sit at the feet of my father, listen to my mother’s laughter, and the chitchats from my siblings.

I noticed new strands of grey on my parents’ heads the other day.
Soothing, yet alarming.
The little things now becoming the most important.
I am grateful to God for what I have.
He has been there from the very beginning.
I’ve picked up a habit from where I left off.
It feels good getting lost in the pages of a book.
I can’t go out physically, why not mentally?
I’ve learnt how to abound and to abase. COVID taught me.

A Note From Eden: Dear Collette,
You carry so much sunshine within, and this radiates in the brilliance you emit, effortlessly. You are bright light, a reflection of the stars glowing through the dark. You are everything beautiful. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Eddy Igbokwe

by Eddy Igbokwe

A Lockdown Story
By: Eddy Igbokwe

“DeJa Vu”, was the initial attitude of most people when a casual mention was made of a certain respiratory infection that had broken out somewhere far away in China.

“This is not going to be anything more scary than the world had witnessed in the past, when there had been the outbreak of swine flu (N1H1), Mad cow disease (CJD), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which fizzled out within a short period of time almost unnoticed”. These were the thoughts of most people. Some had even gone as far as characterizing it as hoax or scaremongering.

Suddenly, all hell broke lose! The real meaning of the word “viral”, stormed home when the devastation of being wreaked by a virus named “corona” (codenamed COVID-19) went viral. The epidemic became upgraded to a pandemic.

Italy, my country of residence became the very first country to record a major outbreak of COVID-19, outside of China.

At first, the idea of “Stay-at-home”, was casually mooted as celebrities jovially admonished. Until it became a “lockdown”, being enforced by security agencies when people started to die in drove. Death was literally in the air! Relatives and friends elsewhere in the world started calling to enquire of our wellbeing.

I’m a fitness enthusiast. The further shut down of the gyms really had a drastic impact on me. No one was permitted to go working outdoors beyond 200 metres from their home.

Although I’m not a TV “freak”, I couldn’t still get used to it whilst the lockdown, as there was no comfort in the objects of the news, which was basically about gloom and doom.

Also, I’m not into indoor games- table or electronic. So, potentially, my mental and physical wellbeing were in jeopardy.

However, fortunately, amazon was still delivering orders! I got two books by two Nigerian authors: ” The Tragedy of Victory”, By Goodwin Alabi Isama, and “Half of A Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I devoured both books in 10days!
What next, boredom kicks in again?
I downloaded 10s of Hollywood classic and a few current movies, all which I watched within 10 days.

Then came the REAL DEAL: The RCCG online zoom church services and prayer meetings, which is still on-going, and 360 degrees soothing!!

In all, thankfully, we’ve gone past the worst. The lockdown has been eased, although 80% of people are still walking on eggshells. Caution has remained the buzzword. Facemask is now a fashion accessory, which is not going away anytime soon.

A Note From Eden: Dad,

At each phase of my life, I have been blessed with a father, and I’m grateful to you for being a father to me beyond time and distance. I’m grateful for all the cheerings to thrive on. For all the ever energy giving words. And for all the love. God bless you for everything you are and have been to your girl, Eden. It’s these little things that make the difference…

In your lockdown story, regardless of the storms within, there is this warmth that gently breezed through. The story is one that effortlessly takes the reader into the scene, on the wings of both clarity and empathy dominant in the piece. Thanks Sir, for giving us a quick trip to Italy. Thanks for sharing your truth with us. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Lawrence Mbata

by Lawrence Mbata

A Lockdown Story
By: Lawrence Mbata

My lock down experience is one that I can call “A Transition” or “A Rebirth.”
I had moments of understanding myself better.

I understood that life should not be taken too serious, because everyone is gonna die someday.
I have never been as charitable as I was during the lockdown. I used the moments to show more kindness.

I studied Social Psychology and Theology. I became more aware of the possibility of paying less attention to the few things we give too much value to.(Internet, Mobile Gadgets, Businesses etc.)
I gave more attention to loving and bonding with family, friends and neighbors I never talked to for even once before now.

Love became an option.

At some point I asked myself these questions: “What if the pandemic is not contained? What if we no longer have a means of surfing the internet or buying data for browsing? What if we have to stay away from even our own brothers, sisters, kids, & friends? What if we can no longer step out to get something to eat?
My lock down story was a question phase that has made me ready for death at any time.
Lawrence Mbata (B7ackPOET)

A Note From Eden: Dear Sir Law,

In all depths and boundlessness, your words pierce, stirring a moment of personal reflections. A moment of truth. A moment of reframing our priorities, broadening our perspectives and relearning kindness. You possess a rare kind of wit, and your heart is a reflection of the sunshine you carry. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Prince Isaiah Osaze

by Prince Isaiah Prince Isaiah Osaze

A Lockdown Story
By: Prince Isaiah Osaze

Life itself is a rollercoaster of unforgettable seasons and dispensations, moments filled with joy and sometimes sadness.

The pandemic is one of those sad moments considering how it has affected lives, economy and sadly our minds.

Before the lockdown, I was getting ready for a job interview and also anticipating the ‘MTN Yellow Star’ live audition which I was already enlisted among the lucky contestants who made it to the next stage. The lockdown paused these opportunities.

Here was I resting and thinking the lockdown would be for just two weeks. Although I enjoyed my normal indoor lifestyle of reading, writing, watching movies and surfing the internet or chatting. It wasn’t too long before I got tired, bored, missed church and social life. I couldn’t travel home to spend the Easter with my family.

However, staying in the Corpers Lodge was an advantage for me because there was no dull moment there. Playing games, watching movies in the sitting room, discussions on politics and most times we even ate together… Lol. It was fun!

The thought of investing in myself pushed me into learning skills, writing new articles and songs, registering for online courses and attending webnairs. I also used the opportunity to invest in others as I was a guest for few webinars and also some of my friends on social media.

Wait! My spiritual life wasn’t left out! I had quiet time for fellowship, participated in online services and special programs. I was also connected with my parents and siblings via WhatsApp video calls.

As we pray and anticipate the end of this pandemic and lockdown, I have decided to be among those that would say ‘Thank God! I came out strong and productive’ in the end, because the world has experienced a shift that will affect the previous normal life we lived.

A Note From Eden: Dear Prince,
Your heart is an abode of truth, selflessness, kindness, brilliance. And this is made evident in the footprints you leave behind, everywhere you go. Your love for positively impacting the lives of others is awe-inspiring. You are golden. You are an essence. You are bright light. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Shotonwa Abdul Waheed

by Abdul Waheed Shotonwa

A Lockdown Story

By: Shotonwa Abdul Waheed

Unlike many, I had a view of how the lockdown would be. Perhaps because I had observed how it was in other countries.

Exercising the stay at home order from the state government makes it clear that all resources would be put in place for it to take effect.

As a little boy, I have always seen opportunity in every situation whether favourable or otherwise. Reality made it obvious that the lockdown is real and there is need for adjustments. I quickly buckled up my shoes, thought twice and took some key decisions presently reshaping my world.

My multitasking nature contributed immensely to my goals, as assignments kept coming in since it’s a switch to work from home.

Though, it’s not always about money, some of my key achievements during the lockdown includes: self discovery and development, life reshaping, apt and rapt decision making, goal achievements, and most importantly, sound mind and body.

In summary, it was simply a lockdown for work down.

A Note From Eden: Dear Waheed,

You command brilliance, strength and resilience, even in seemingly difficult times. You are a light through the night. A rainbow through the clouds. And your life is an all time inspiration, in a million beautiful ways. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Fawale Oyewole Timi

by Oyewole Timi Fawale

A Lockdown Story
By: Fawale Oyewole Timi

At first, the lockdown put a stop to many plans. I had so many things marked out to be done each month. I also had various strategies on how each goal was to be achieved, but from not even the slightest notice, everything was put on a hold.
Although the lockdown stormed and we moved along with the tides, it helped me develop on my skills, it got me thinking, it gave me time to develop on new relationships and it blessed me with little rest which was really needed.

I also realized that we can actually do without some things we thought we couldn’t do away with.

A Note From Eden: Dear Timi,

There is so much wittiness within each line in your lockdown story. The brevity notwithstanding. Each line carries a light that would make the reader take a pause to think/rethink. Your story serves as a map that would help one navigate through this trying times. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Stephen Onyedikachi Light

by Stephen Onyedikachi Light

A Lockdown Story
Stephen Onyedikachi Light

The lockdown experience gave me time to rest a bit more and take care of myself too. It also amplified the need to be a better person no matter what and how important your value/what you believe in is.

I learnt so much about self leadership and how to maximize time. Trust me, I slept and ate too when I needed to, a lot of people added weight physically but my own case only the Lord can help. However, I think some weight was gained in my intellect.

So it’s been a sprinkle of many flavours and I am grateful.

A Note From Eden: Dear Stephen, you are a perfect reflection of your name – LIGHT. How your brilliance brightens dark places. How you effortlessly blend humor in all wittiness. How your love for God is blatantly topnotch. You are bright light and more. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Jeremie Ntirandekura

by Jeremie Ntirandekura

A Lockdown Story

Jeremie Ntirandekura

Since it was said that there’s a pandemic killing thousands of people around the world, I felt like it’s the end of the world. I heard that the only prevention of such a pandemic was a lockdown. All what I could wonder was, How would we survive if it happens? Such a case happened to Rwanda, where they spent some few weeks being locked down. And, the same question returned to my mind, How will we survive if we are locked down?

Few days later, it was said that three people were attacked by COVID-19, and more than ever before, it was said that the lockdown that has to follow.

In less than two months, we were to have elections in our country. We thought that the elections would be postponed. But despite the 42 people who were said to be attacked by COVID-19, elections have been done and till now there’s no lockdown in Burundi.

Let’s pray God to protect Burundi and its citizens.

#ASONE
#Jeremie Ntirandekura

 

A Note From Eden: Dear Jeremie,
Burundi is blessed to call you son. You are the sunshine, glowing through the dark. Shining through the clouds. Leaving footprints of positivity in your world. Your heart is one constantly on a mission to uplift, and these have been made evident in your attainments. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

 

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My Lockdown Story – Jo Nketiah

by Jo Nketiah

A Lockdown Story

Jo Nketiah

I don’t know which one is harder.
Being a health worker or a writer in this season. But I will say both.
It takes all mental strength to get up from bed and drive to the premises of work to
start working on your first patient.
They advice to treat everyone as a COVID suspected case and that’s the only way you can be very and highly aware to self protect yourself. Sometimes, I am tired of the hand washing lol.
But it’s worth it. A soldier doesn’t abandon his duty because of war.
And I am glad as a medical sonographer I still do the little I can in this season.

About writing, I have structured my pieces to the normal everyday living, not too much towards the COVID season because of the anxiety it brings. I still write about things like love, hope, friendship, work and all the things that are part of our everyday living to at least make people feel a little bit assured that things will be better soon.

A Note From Eden: Dear Jo,

I see you, I see truth. I see you, I see light. I see you, I see strength. All encased in the flawlessness of your beauty. Always, your words are lifelines to keep afloat on days one can easily get drowned in the overflow of life. Beyond time and distance, your words glaringly shoot straight from the heart, serving as a map to help navigate through thick and thin. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

 

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What COVID Masks these Days – Jeff Cannon

by Jeff Cannon

Title: What COVID Masks these Days

By: Jeff Cannon

These COVID days mask more than face!
guard nose and mouth from air-borne infection

These COVID days mask more than that, and more, your
worst bad dream could not address, since we need to
unmask everything we know and have memorized
unmask every sense you possess to truly see, hear,
recognize and know deeply, not just in mind, but deep heart
spirit, soul aware

These COVID days mask more than illness, they cover evil
its horrid grin, smiling over how easily we swallow its deceptions
an evil unleashed for world possession, world-depopulation
world rape, pillage, murder all legalized by governments elected
by and for the good of the people

An evil around since near time’s beginning, an evil that learned to
trust the one with the mightiest clobber, since only that one would
possess the power to have, say, do anything one wanted,
not only claim top-cat power position, but the blessing of the gods through
their anointed intermediaries with high temple caste, tiered duties
prosecutors of god rules in books man made up with incense and
holy matches to burn the bad,
raise up the male, put down the woo-man, the only way to control
the mystery of her body, the supernatural of her ways, too easily
able to sway folks against the tyranny of rule, return back to Earth

Back to the simplicity of the circle of community, wise elders male
and female, shamans male and female to heal body, heart, and soul
return the village back to its goodness when it somehow stumbled
off the proper path of well-being for the all, respect for nature,
prayerful reverence due giving and taking… living and dying

These COVID days mask more than face, they mask us then unmask
the religion power people, in secret, manufactured, then cleverly
spread, blessed every political-corporate all possessive- profit-
making worldwide deal to consolidate possession and those so
possessed to possess to have their moreness on a gold, not silver,
platter

No longer secret, obese rich elite with license can, willfully, pillage
rape, plunder till there is nothing left to squander for the buck’s, the
elite’s round table holy communion while the rest of us die, just die
from the burden of opulence, erasure of recognition, the slammed door
of abandonment

We need a mask to dodge this COVID virus, undermine the plan elite
lizards have for us, let the mask keep us healthy so when the virus
meant to have black bagged us off into unmarked graves has exhausted
itself and expired into in the silence of low cases and death statistics
then and only then can we unmask ourselves, stand together no longer
imprisoned by the horrid distinctions elite lizards made to split us up
keep us apart from each other, keep us ignorant and rude about the gifted
presence we have to offer each other, then, when that time arrives revolt
against the dreadful, leash that evil that has no will other than its own
with blood that flows green cold

Heal what is left of our wounded world, be earth keeper’s, do together
what will keep us healthy, let life flourish, revive the earth back to its
once healthy, clean, vivacious, Home-gifting Self!
© Jeff Cannon, at desk

A Note From Eden: Dear Jeff,
In depths, you reveal the cores of life hidden in dark places. Your brilliance is light too bright to be hidden. Your heart is an abode of truth and beauty in all pureness. Your being is a necessity. An essence. A blessing to mankind. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

 

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My Lockdown Story: Ekhueorohan O Timothy

by Timothy Ekhueorohan

A Lockdown Story
By: Ekhueorohan O Timothy

To some persons, there should be an end to this lockdown, but personally I would still love it to continue because it has helped me to learn, unlearn and relearn.

At first I never appreciated the lockdown thing because I felt I will no longer meet with my friends, hangout, attend seminars as usual, not until I travelled back to Benin and met with men of like passion who assisted to shift my mentality about this lockdown.

After a long day talk with Dr. Paul Diamond and few of my friends I was shocked to see some persons who during this lockdown were still making cool money and this made me to sit down and THINK!!!

Interestingly, the only thing that came to my mind was that; “the difference between someone poor and someone rich is lack of useful information.”

I discovered that once you can a get a good and useful information, then you will have the needed breakthrough. And this resulted to me having different sources of income.
Also, it has always been in my plan to go through some online courses and have certificates in other areas, this helped me a lot, because the drive for certifications was another escape root for me during this lockdown. I spent most of my time online, searching for useful information and meeting new friends who have passed through the journey I am just starting.

Furthermore, during this period I was able to ‘think outside the box to get solution to some difficult problems. I began to reason deeper, “after this lockdown with my discharge certificate in my hand What next ??” Though it seemed funny, but it was really a big bone to crack. However, through much thought and prayers I gained the victory.

Meanwhile, as humans, we should not underestimate the power of PRAYER during hard and critical times. I had always wanted to settle issues on whom to continue life journey with after having a shift from my parents and sibling which seemed like another hard nut to crack, but, Just by going to God in prayer and whispering my desires to him. – He did it without any cost!

Meanwhile, I have always loved music and wanted to sing every time, but time was a big factor to always consider. Gratefully, this lockdown has given me the vibes, time and resources needed to be the best musical artiste in the world. I have started projects on this already, and I am hoping to finish strong.

Ironically, the lockdown became a citadel of good news as we welcomed two bouncing baby boys( Jeremiah and Ebeneezer) in the family!!!

This was another great escape root from boredom because seeing them alone gives you so much inner peace.

Lastly, I had the privilege of eating very well, sleeping well, increase in size, meeting new friends and most importantly going for my official Friday meetings with YCA Alumni which was really fun!!!

A Note From Eden: Dear Timothy,
It’s awe-inspiring how you surround yourself with like minds to give you the perfect fuel for productivity. It’s awe-inspiring how you prioritize the refinement of your mindset, and the result of this is a reflection of your rare kind of thought pattern. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Chimdike Ogwe

by Chimdike Ogwe

A Lockdown Story 

By: Chimdike Ogwe

Well for me as a student, it’s been all about staying in my student lodge and seeing how the usual student life gradually faded away, because of this pandemic.

Students started traveling and suddenly everywhere just became deserted. The sound of loud hip hop music coming from your next door neighbor or the regular gisting we do outside at night and even as far as going to your neighbor’s house to eat food and drink garri, all went into thin air, because of this whole pandemic.

It started like a joke. Trust! Nigerians are always good at using situations around to tell jokes and evoke laughter. However, two months gone already and it has ended in tears.

Personally, I have been really productive this period. I started attending classes for graphics designing, and doing a whole lot of productive stuffs.

For someone like me who hardly stays at a place, I love moving around and being busy, so I think my being in Calabar has been “okay” thus far. This is because unlike other states that had a total lockdown, over here, there was still movement within the state. This is what made staying here “okay” for me.

Just recently, the ban on religious activities had been lifted from the state. So, from 24th of this month, churches resumed services! I had stayed home too long that even Sundays began to look like a normal week day. The reopening of church activities was no doubt an amazing news!

In all, the next news we will be waiting to hear now is the reopening of schools, and that will show that things are coming back to normal.

Stay home and stay safe, that’s all we can do for ourselves this period.

A Note From Eden: Dear Chimidike,
Thanks for standing as a voice, representing millions of students all over the world. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

 

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My Lockdown Story – Quineth Aghaukwu

by Quineth Aghaukwu

A Lockdown Story

By: Quineth Aghaukwu

What Are We Really Doing?
Why do we do what we do? This is a question that I’ve been pondering on for the past three months. How big a part does the idea of ‘Freedom’ play in our decision making process?

Remember as a kid when you wanted to explore the ends of the earth, but you were never allowed. And now this, only to decide to stay indoors as an adult when the freedom finally came?

Well, this was not everyone, but those who fall under the same category can confirm it. I obviously did not come here to bore you with philosophical questions. I am making a point, I promise.

The beginning of the lockdown bode no problems for me. I mean, this was just me going on with my normal introverted lifestyle. Not only did this not affect my lifestyle, it was not a hindrance to my work as a freelance writer. So, why did it become hard by the second week? Why was I feeling confined when this was what I did before the lockdown? This feeling brought memories of times when you picked up a broom to sweep, and your mother tells you to sweep. This was frustrating, because it takes away from the fact that you were well on your way to doing it without being told. It also took away from the fact that you had the choice of deciding not to sweep. ‘Choice’ being the keyword here.

When most people get to the age of decision making, it becomes almost difficult responding accordingly to words like; “must”, “mandatory”, “obligatory”, and every other word that eliminates their ‘degree of freedom’.

Nevertheless, there is a need to find balance. This period also showed me how there had always been a relationship between the introverts and the extroverts. There had always been an equilibrium between those two worlds, and it may have shifted in this pandemic. I choose not to go into details on that to avoid a total deviation.

Staying indoors with this new found pressure really strained my creative process. People are different when it comes to creation. While some create under the most pressure, some others shrivel under pressure. I found that I stand somewhere in-between. This was how the pandemic affected my creative process. You see, I was faced with the pressure of being confined and also the lack of pressure from not knowing when the pandemic would end. That right there, is the perfect recipe for procrastination.

Mix fear with procrastination and finally ‘creative downside’, and what I got was mild depression. While this was a horrible experience that took days from me, it also gave me the strength to spring back up stronger. I may have learnt first-hand that it is not lack of fear that keeps you going, but jumping on challenges despite your fears. The best days were days when I tried, because even when there were negative answers or none at all, I was glad that I tried. This was when I knew that I was growing.

A Note From Eden: Dear Quineth,

I won’t go stating the obvious by calling you a Queen. I’ll rather just give a glimpse of the depths, of the royalty you carry, inside out. You are- an effortless display of sunlight. The kind that lightens up grey clouds. The kind that make the skies give way, as you sit gracefully on its throne, above all mediocrity. You wear a crown that glows from within the awesomeness of the heart you bear. You are light, strength and brilliance. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Chasejamison Akilah Manar-Spears,

by Chasejamison Akilah Manar-Spears

A Lockdown Story
By: Chasejamison Akilah Manar-Spears,

aka MadamCJda3rd

There were times I only wanted to cry, sleep, and wake up in a better world. I still want to feel less pressure to make a better world. I call on my ancestors and my creator to manifest peace as my way of living. This is because I view the ways in which I choose to live my life as ancestral
statements. This can get very twisted by mental illness spread on the stolen land where I exist
(The United Snakes of Amerikkka).. Some days, it feels like the only energy I can trust is the sky. Moonlight has carried me through some really dark times.


In my moments alone, I would occasionally feel that I couldn’t handle whatever the universe is trying to restore with all this chaos. I’ve honestly been socially distancing since before it was healthy, since before I left Ghana. There’s an in between feeling I keep returning to: planning
while procrastinating, inspired while drained, sad for reasons and happy for no reasons out all. I
now know that I am a part of this major change, and that through this crisis I must always remember to maintain my visualizations of the love I want to see and be.
In this soul of mine, divine lines of our truth spiral themselves into an ever changing sky. Stories
of our future are birthed onto blank pages. Blood and tears and life became the headline of our
healing.


I want to make something clear: Coronavirus is not the crisis. The root of all this is rotting, stinking, capitalistic fear paralyzing people and preventing them from showing up for themselves
and their community. It is governments telling us to shelter in place when millions don’t have a
place or a shelter. It is depression, anxiety, and family trauma finding a home in our hearts. The
true dis-ease is disconnectedness. And not enough blood in the world could flow over the pain
that causes. The solution to these problems is realizing that all of this starts and ends with me.
With the personal person I choose to be, how I want to focus my divinity.

CJ and Mama

My writing has helped me to overcome trauma, heal, transform into love, find it again, express
myself creatively, and connect even more deeply to the collective story that is life. And after that
very long process, I came here today to tell you that we will make it through. More in tune than ever. Mother earth is resetting her boundaries and giving us space to think about the power in our
thoughts and actions. And, I am 300% here for it. During this time, and by connecting to the
divine femme, I’ve been able to overcome my depression and experience radical self love. All this and more has brought me to an even realer awareness of myself in connection with
everything. And how I could never be everything for everyone, especially when I neglect myself.

The reshaping of our collective destiny is not without intention. The trust that comes with
potential means we must recognize this process as a part of us..no matter how slow the journey
goes we are one with its flow. In the smallest moments of growth, universes are born.

Photo By: @Sageartgh

I’ll end
this post with some affirmations that have helped me through this time, and the amazing words
of Alice Walker: “Hope is a Woman who has lost her fear”.

Affirmations that have helped me through lockdown:
– Today and everyday I pour trust, positive intention, and focus into the path that I was created for.
– I am aware of the truth that everything I seek and need is within me.
– I am so much more than my emotions… I let them show, and I let them go.
– I am the blessing
– I am making my ancestors and descendants so proud
– All my dreams are manifesting with divine timing.

P.S: I also want to give a shoutout to Ari Lennox, Adomaa, Rihanna, Ria Boss, Summer Walker, Nina Simone, Prince, and the countless other amazing Black artists that have sustained my spirit.
through this lockdown.

Jah bless you all.

Kindly Check Out Her Instagram Page: @rootscollectivegh for more…😍

A Note From Eden: Dear CJ,
In all simplicity, you display brilliance at its peak. In all depths, your words carry truth too heavy to be ignored. In all beauty, you are a rainbow, glowing through the clouds. A reminder of hope and light after the tunnel. In all strength, you are a reflection of the stars twinkling through dark nights. YOU. ARE. BRIGHT. LIGHT. And I need you to keep these words safely, at the bottom of your kind heart. I need you to walk in the consciousness of these words, always. I need you to never be moved by the night, because your light is more than its darkness. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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My Lockdown Story – Michael Seun

by Michael Seun

A Lockdown Story
By: Michael Seun

This is the true definition of a prison.
I call it the mind prism,
Where we are all forced to be caged in,
Locked in our shelters
Trapped in our manners.

It isn’t only the physical lockdown,
But the mental lockdown
Our minds have be coerced to safety,
Fear and worries of the future.

Will there ever be school?
Will there ever be worship?
Will there ever be hangouts?
And all that concern the proof of human existence on earth.

Truly, we have now become Corona’s pets
Stuck in doors like most objects
We can only stare at our windows,
And gaze as the wind blows through the empty kiosks.
Blows through the voiceless places of worship,
And the motionless buildings of learning.
Its an unforgettable chapter of history’s book.

The fact that we all need to stay safe,
The Government orders
The Health warnings,
But still, it’s an ever flowing torture.
For some, it’s a time to be ever lazy,
And some others, to improve themselves in a ramification.

Let’s all watch and pray for the world,
For nature has been left to wander alone.
The virus has made us at home.
Home
Borders are now closed
Movement is now a stone

A Note From Eden: Dear Michael,
You Are Bright Light. The kind that effortlessly leaves the darkness bowing. You are sight, an eye piecing through the unseen. You are might, leaving your mark of truth, within each line of your story. Knowledge is power. And you haven’t failed to leave us with enough knowledge for sober reflections and positive actions. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.

Cheers!

Much love!!

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