By Boluwatife Adefemi
In this world that we live
2 things are true
But then again, that same categorization is what once encapsulated me from you
and you from me.
Yet not all the same
2 things yet so different
But united in causing pain
2 sets of washrooms, one convenient — none for you
2 sets of expectations — but if you blink, you won’t have to care for the very thing that doesn’t
affect you
1 law, but of course — if bleached, you’re washed clean
1 double standard (finally our similarity).
Because justice is only justice if #1 didn’t do nish to #2
But once the roles reverse —
Well, history is bound to repeat.
In this world we live in #1
Some shout and scream to move on
Because the blood and tears of our ancestors
Is not connected to them through lineage
Or a feeling of ‘do I belong?’
Now #2, it’s up to you
You see that root anger causes division
Passed down
Intergenerational trauma
Integrates himself once again
So the bonds once dreamt of ‘a tomorrow’ are no longer our today — but rather cease to exist.
But in this very world
Bearing #1 and #2
Lies the power of change
Within every breath, every glance, and every exchange
between me and you.
10 Responses
Meaningful truth.
Very well written. Amazingly great👍
This was a deeply moving and thoughtful piece. I’m so proud of you for writing with this level of honesty and courage. Your voice is clear, powerful, and meaningful, and the way you hold truth and possibility together really stays with the reader. Please keep writing—your words matter, and the world needs more voices like yours.
Throughly impressed! You’re so gifted – this is well written, Boluwatife.
This is a great read! Very thoughtfully and skillfully written! You are an amazing poet!
Keep it up👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This is very good. I hope you keep sharing your work!
wow this is amazing!
The World We Make is both confronting and thoughtful. The use of “#1” and “#2” is simple yet powerful, revealing how inequality is normalized while others are asked to move on. The poem grounds history in the present through themes of belonging, intergenerational trauma, and responsibility, and ends with a quietly earned sense of possibility rooted in everyday human exchange. This is a strong, confident voice please keep writing, your voice invites necessary conversations.
The power of change lies with each and every one of us.
You have such a unique perspective and ur work always surprises me in the best way.👏👏👏 keep it up