Just like the tale that says “ If a man is being hit by a pestle either by accident or knowingly and he says he felt nothing for the pestle effect is just like a feather. When he got home or left alone, he would be the one to sit with the pain” So who is deceiving whom which equals someone who is lying to themselves.
I can still remember vividly as if it were yesterday, the day I received this birthday gift. It was given to me by one of my boss who I saved his phone number as Mr. Sir. I admire him deeply maybe because we shared the same date of birth and not just for his wisdom but for the quiet and fatherly care he showed me.
“ My man” he called me in his usual soft tone and handed this book over to me gently with a wrist watch.
“Happy birthday” he started and I smiled swiftly after collecting my gift which was a surprise one.
“ This is called, The Light” he said with a smirk.
I knew the symbolism of a wristwatch but this book drew my attention. It was unlike anything I had seen before as its cover was sealed with a hardened candle. It was tinted in a soft light orange glow. It felt warm in my hands as if it carried a secret waiting to be understood.
That night, I read it and something changed in me. It wasn't just the words but the feeling. As I turned each page, I became aware of something within myself, something I had never truly noticed before. It was as if a quiet light had been switched on inside me which was subtle but undeniable.
I couldn't keep it to myself so the next day, I gave the book to my friend, Obente.
“ Read this” I said.
“ It will help you see” I concluded with bright laughter and he collected it and nodded but as days passed, I heard nothing and no words from him.
When I finally asked him, he hesitated before answering.
“ I gave it to my father” he said.
“ Why, from where to where?” I asked.
“I called him and told him and he said it was dangerous and not meant for children” Obente replied grumbling.
“ But the last time I checked, you are twenty-two” I uttered angrily and Obente frowned in return.
“ Then why can't you return it and why did your father held to it?” I inquired.
He shrugged and said, “Father said I shouldn't be friends with you anymore”
The words landed heavier than expected and I wanted to give him a fight that he would never forget but something rang in my mind like a bell, “ A man who saw such anger and withheld his fist is a real man and the one who immediately reacted in anger is not yet man enough”
I stood still for a moment then asked quietly, “ And you agree with him”.
Obente didn't answer directly, “ he is my father” he replied and walked away.
I was troubled and confused, so I returned to my boss and told him everything. Mr. Sir, listened patiently as a faint smile formed on his face. The smile was not of amusement but of understanding.
“ This is a lesson” he said firmly.
I looked up in surprise. Then he continued.
“ You can not heal someone who is not ready to heal and you cannot open the eyes of someone who insists on keeping them closed” he concluded.
I couldn't say anything but remain silent.
“ If your father's friend truly believed the book was dangerous, he would have destroyed it or returned it, but he kept it”
Mr. Sir noted as my eyes widened slightly.
“ He is not protecting his son either” Mr. Sir said softly and continued.
“ He is protecting his control. He wants the light but only for himself”
I paused a while to compare and contrast as Mr. Sir continued with his views.
“ He is not lying to you all, he is lying to himself” Mr. Sir concluded and I took a deep breath.
“ I hope you read it” Mr. Sir added.
“ I did” I replied after a gasp.
“ Good” He said nodding.
“ Then let him keep the book. It is his burden now, not yours again but remember this; be mindful of those who try to keep you in darkness by calling the light dangerous” He noted with a soft pat on my shoulder.
I left that day with clarity although it hurts and I created a quiet distance between myself and Obente. Not out of anger but out of understanding so if I come across those kinds of people who lie to themselves, I won't be shocked and also, I won't Shrek.
I will just soliloquize either audibly or inaudibly with “ continue playing”.
Lies are dangerous when they gain traction. Luckily, the advice came at just the right time. A very interesting story to read
Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Excellent day.
Thank you for reading and viewing thoughtfully,the pleasure is mine. Greetings and blessings.
Smiles, first off your title did called my attention
..
Continue playing😄
Dey play....
Such a beautiful and interesting piece ..and indeed, it is is burden, not yours.
Going forward, anytime you get faced with that, just smile....
Continue playing 😄
🏃🏃🏃
Thanks for sharing.
❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for reading through and taking the time to view thoughtfully. You are right. Greetings and blessings.
Very much welcome