The Price Of Excellence

This morning I went to the stream in our village 
There I saw Aduke weeping in hushed tone
I asked her what caused this
She said she leaves for the city today

I sat down beside her and joined her in her agony
Within minutes my eyes became like the rivers of living water
Streaming down my face were the tears I refused to shed yesterday when Mama gave me a present 
I looked at Aduke trying to memorize the lines of her face

I told her to tell her Mama no and come stay with us
She looked me with her mouth opening and closing 
For a minute I was entranced with the scenery she displayed
She then said “but you go to the city too, Atoke”
My body jerked away from her in deny

Now, I know why Mama gave me a present 
She was sending me away to the city
This is my reward —staying away from my family and living in a strange land
Aduke touched my hand in understanding 

We looked at each other and we both have one regret clearly written on our faces
If only we hadn’t passed the village common entrance with distinction 
This is the price for excellence 
Exile away from home.