What a beautiful piece and this quote so lyrical and quietly defiant. "I had to bend my tongue and melt my harsh Nigerian accent to sound like the boys and girls from Europe and America. I became an ironsmith, liquifying and recasting my accent into something rounder, into what I was learning was prettier."
Two interesting things I learned: what olie bollen are and that Guinness is popular in Nigeria.
What I didn't learn? That you're a fantastic writer and a wise soul - I already knew that!
Thank you for sharing this personal story! This was beautifully crafted, and gave me perspective on your unique experience. Looking forward to more of your work.
Such lovely writing, and I love especially this paragraph: "I was a cloud watcher. Even before I entered the sky for the first time, I watched it from the ground, traced its many changing faces, and counted the things it brought and took away. Seasons, birds, clouds wrapped in electricity, and a dull but very present longing to grasp onto what would always be fleeting, what was never meant to stay."
Up again to say this is one of the most stunning pieces I have ever read. I love how it’s told so simply yet you feel the urgency of its message and know yes, I needed to see this. I felt my heart ache reading this. It was the last thing I did yesterday because I couldn’t pay attention to anything else after reading this. I want to read more from Adaeze Elechi. Again, stunning! Well done.
Such a beautifully written prose. Being a member of the global diaspora, I can relate to many of her sentiments. Yet the way she expressed them were so poetic and nuanced.
I love the boys leaping into the sky. The way you tell it makes the act seem utterly reasonable--the quintessential manifestation of freedom, and revolt against all that encloses.
Could you tell me where this piece was originally published? Thank you, and thank you for your work.
Heart strings pulling here and there. For the 10 minutes or so I spent quietly traveling through and past these words, I lived in Holland, too. Absolutely fantastic!
What a beautifully crafted piece of writing. At once, eager to keep reading your story, and all the while, seeing how it speaks to our humanity — at our point of need. Thank you for sharing.🙏
This is one of the most beautiful essays I have ever read. Thank you.
Thank you so much! And thank you for reading
Utterly magnificent writing. I won't forget this piece. Thank you, Adaeze.
Thank you for reading!
My heart is bursting with the beauty of this essay
🧡
What a beautiful piece and this quote so lyrical and quietly defiant. "I had to bend my tongue and melt my harsh Nigerian accent to sound like the boys and girls from Europe and America. I became an ironsmith, liquifying and recasting my accent into something rounder, into what I was learning was prettier."
Thank you, and thanks for reading!
Two interesting things I learned: what olie bollen are and that Guinness is popular in Nigeria.
What I didn't learn? That you're a fantastic writer and a wise soul - I already knew that!
Thank you for sharing this personal story! This was beautifully crafted, and gave me perspective on your unique experience. Looking forward to more of your work.
And oliebollen are delicious! If you find yourself in Holland definitely get some. They probably go well with Guinness 😍
Thank you so much for your kind words, Tim! And thank you for reading! 🙏🏾😊
Such lovely writing, and I love especially this paragraph: "I was a cloud watcher. Even before I entered the sky for the first time, I watched it from the ground, traced its many changing faces, and counted the things it brought and took away. Seasons, birds, clouds wrapped in electricity, and a dull but very present longing to grasp onto what would always be fleeting, what was never meant to stay."
Thank you so much! and thanks for reading 🙏🏾
Up again to say this is one of the most stunning pieces I have ever read. I love how it’s told so simply yet you feel the urgency of its message and know yes, I needed to see this. I felt my heart ache reading this. It was the last thing I did yesterday because I couldn’t pay attention to anything else after reading this. I want to read more from Adaeze Elechi. Again, stunning! Well done.
Thank you so much for these kind words. I’m happy it resonated with you. Thank you for reading!
Such a beautifully written prose. Being a member of the global diaspora, I can relate to many of her sentiments. Yet the way she expressed them were so poetic and nuanced.
Thank you!
What a lovely, poetic and revealing piece.
I love the boys leaping into the sky. The way you tell it makes the act seem utterly reasonable--the quintessential manifestation of freedom, and revolt against all that encloses.
Could you tell me where this piece was originally published? Thank you, and thank you for your work.
This is the original publication of the piece. So glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you!
I am only just getting acquainted with Substack, and was a bit confused as to how yours worked. (I have subscribed and will continue to read.)
Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words! 🙏🏾
Heart strings pulling here and there. For the 10 minutes or so I spent quietly traveling through and past these words, I lived in Holland, too. Absolutely fantastic!
Thank you! And thanks for reading 🙏🏾
Visceral and profound and gutting. Every moment was so beautiful
Thank you for reading, V!! 💕💕
Amazing. Thank you.
Thank you for reading! 🙏🏾
Beautifully written, Adaeze. Bravo!!
Thank you, Obi! ❤️❤️❤️
What a beautifully crafted piece of writing. At once, eager to keep reading your story, and all the while, seeing how it speaks to our humanity — at our point of need. Thank you for sharing.🙏
Thank you for reading 🙏🏾