LIFE IN ABSTRACT

The molue with its imposing frame packed full with passengers plying through the metropolis of Lagos created a scintillating sight to me. The two conductors stationed at the entrance and exit of the molue called out to passengers in voices husky but inviting causing a sought of duet performance in a concert. The call of the duo was not in vain because two young men came running towards the molue as though they were both on a relay track.

Taking my eyes a little away from the molue, I saw a motor cyclist conveying a passenger, reflecting another form of transportation.  What intrigued me was that everyone seemed to be in a sort of chase. “What’s all of the hurry about?” I found myself thinking out loud. While I was mulling over the molue, the sight of a goat and a cock strolling past the road as though not afraid of being crushed made me giggle unconsciously. My giggle was short lived as I saw a woman carrying her wares on her head tugging at her little child who was also carrying some wares. She looked more like someone hawking. That sight made my heart leap, not just for her but for the African woman. The strength they embody. The sight of the child spoke to my feminine nature. It mirrored the bond between a mother and child. I could not help but pause to gulp a mouth full of admiration for this mother and child.

Flipping my eyes across the road was an even more spectacular sight. It is a sight of market women and men all displaying their wares on various stands with some hawking theirs. Scanning through the market, I spotted a woman shading herself and her ware with a beautifully coloured umbrella. She was being patronized by another woman. “Maybe her beautiful umbrella is the centre of attraction” I thought loud to myself.  Taking my eyes off her and looking farther into the market, I observed that everyone seemed to be on the go; to their various houses I suppose. In a bid to understand the reason for the chase, I looked at the cloud and saw its thickness. There is an imminent down pour I suppose.

I could not help but admire the simple life of the people in this community. They communicate deeply to me. They portray the everyday life of a typical Lagosian. Standing akimbo and smiling broadly lost in admiration, I felt a gentle tap from behind. “Can I join you please?” One of the waitresses at the cafeteria asked me. “You look so engrossed and fascinated with this painting”. “Oh!” I quickly looked at the time and discovered I had spent over twenty minutes staring at the painting that hung on the wall of the cafeteria. I looked around and saw curious eyes staring at me as if waiting for explanation. “Did I just make fool myself?” I asked the waitress in a whisper. “Far from it dear; I just want you to tell me what you can see”. She said in a warm but curious voice. Blushing and tongue tied, I smiled at her and walked out of the cafeteria briskly. “Amadi Obi is such a terrific painter” I said to myself as I looked back to catch a quick glimpse at the painting again before shutting the door behind me.