Far Away From Chains

The stars far above shone its reflection on Imo River, giving it a pleasant view from where we stood. Fifteen of us lined up on a bamboo-made seat and gazed ahead; my eyes sparkled with excitement without a blink at what I saw.To me, the view was what I termed “nature” ; And what is nature? Nature is beauty!

Imo river which flows 150 miles into the Atlantic ocean through Niger Delta is located in Abia State, southeastern Nigeria.It features an 830 meter crossing between River State and Akwa-ibom. History recalls that the deity of the river is a female Imo Mmiri, who is believed to own it.

Eagerly, I made a little dash into the River and the splash echoed to give a rhythm of tenderness soothing to my ears; Minutes after, I surfaced to the top only to give a smile to my family,that signified being free from worries and rational “what if’s” ,then i walloped into the blue with my eyes closed .To me ,I was up in the sky floating beyond words -like I could do just anything!

Igbo’s by 95% of population in Abia state, were just in the eve of the “Igu Aro” (New yam festival) in the eight month, according to the Igbo calendar which had four days in a week, seven weeks in a month and thirteen months in a year. Some communities in Igbo land has tried to adjust the calendar to twelve months in line with the Gregorian calendar. Igbo communities hope to receive bountiful rains and bumper harvest each planting season as they hope their hard work pays off.
I left the River and soon joined others by the River bank to watch the fireflies fly freely in the dark woods, it reminded me of the quote by Dan Shipper “Advice from a firefly” which says ‘Be full of bright ideas; pulse with excitement ;have a beauty glow ;delight in summer evenings ; keep a child-like scene of wonder ;set a shinning example ;Lighten up’ Yes!,we all need to lighten up and listen up and not to give up what makes us free to give something up that’s worthy enough. So,what really makes you free?

The sister River to Imo, Aba River happens to be a tributary of Imo River which runs through Okpulor Umuobo in the Ngwa heartland into Aba city,and serves as a major supply of water for the city, which is famous for its handicrafts. A 30 kilometers pipeline powers Aba with gas from Imo River natural gas repository.
So,i thought : ‘Let the breeze comb through my hair and wind-wash my dress, reminding me of freedom.I have always loved to view the serene ,it was part of the unforgettable days of my childhood memories. I loved, as I still love to and hope I’d be loving to capture the unending joys of freedom .Indeed!,i’m far away from chains.

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