First lessons

The first examination I ever failed was my entrance exam into primary 5;
I can't remember so many details of how the sun appeared or
the color of the moon,
Nor do I have any memories of what I was eating that day or the night I was told I had failed,
But one thing I never forgot was the dress I wore to the exam- It was my favorite;
Pink in so many calm shades,
And my pointy way-too-loud "stilletos".
I failed the exam,
Even as I was supposed to uphold a reputation as a star
pupil from Abule-Egba, Lagos.
But I couldn't get into primary 5 in Canaanland, Ota.

The beautiful view that made me stare in awe,
Leaving mouth hanging as we drove through to the reputable school,
Was to remain in my dreams.
It was pathetic.

So the next time I went,
I can't remember either what I was wearing.
Although I am so sure it had been a plain blouse - I think it was green- and a shabby skirt; definitely plain also.
I was probably wearing the same shoes (I never had many that could grace the floors of that calibre of school).
This time however, I was more conscious of the exam.
My mom; super amazing being she is,
She had gone to defend her seven year old that was too brilliant to fail an exam,
"My daughter is too good for this shitty result", she'd probably said something similar to the headteacher.
She has always been a teacher also,
So she later told me I was given the wrong questions (too much for my tiny brain).

I had really believed I was smart enough to ace every exam,
And this time I learnt the first lesson of my life,
Or second-
(Never stick your hands into an open socket was most likely my first lesson- those vibes that went through my fingers were no joke).
I wasn't too smart to fail an exam,
Neither couldn't I couldn't try once more.
For this, I remain grateful to my supermom.
For now, and
For always.



 Qetsiyah💖