Fly Nigerian Girl (after Mahogany L. Browne's 'Black Girl Magic')

Nigerian Girl
Don't you know you are not supposed to be too successful?
Don't you know your success should be measured -- just enough to keep the suitors coming and comfortable?

Nigerian Girl
Don't you know you are not supposed to envision a future for yourself which does not include a husband and children?
Nigerian Girl
What use is that womb if it does not carry babies?

Nigerian Girl
You can occupy the highest office in the land and your critics will still want to know if you cook and clean for your husband
Nigerian Girl
Your entire world should revolve around a man, and you will be judged based on him whose duty it is to keep you bridled -- a father who put you through school; a husband in whose house you live

Nigerian Girl
How dare you react when strange men grope and grab you in public places?
Nigerian Girl
You have been kidnapped and raped and murdered and the culprits got away; and they keep getting away

Nigerian Girl
The world is yours
Nigerian Girl
Fumnilola fought for you
Ladi paved the way for you
Dora taught you to never back down
Agbani put you on the map
Chioma shows you how to laugh in the face of adversity

Nigerian Girl
You can be anything you want to be
Nigerian Girl
Keep shouting
Nigerian Girl
Shout
Till your voice is raw from screaming
Till they have no choice but to listen
Till they fully comprehend that you are not going anywhere
That you are not fading out
That you have every right to be here

And you are here and now and bright and brilliant and beautiful and fly and magic

--
This poem was inspired by Mahogany L. Browne's 'Black  Girl Magic'