Delight Chilegide Olumati

Before I die, I want to be heard.
I want to say words and allow letters to dance on my lips.
Before I die, I want to be seen.
I want my words to push me up, so high that I forget what 5’4 actually feels and looks like.

Before I die, I want to teach courage.
I was taught through living that it takes one to be, before daring not to.
I was taught through the past and present that courage sometimes is vulnerability.
The fear, the confusion, and then the decision to take the risk.

Before I die, I want to be me.
Not anyone, just myself.
I want to run, fall, and stand.
Before I die, I want to cry, smile, cry again and smile because one thing that has kept me going is the thought of being human and I wouldn’t dare to miss out on it.