A Fire Like You – Upile Chisala

You were taught to work miracles for everyone but yourself.
A messiah to others but barely a friend of your own.
These, darling, are things you must undo before you become undone.
~ A Fire Like You – Upile Chisala

I knew I wanted to read this anthology the moment it was published because I would resonate with it. Upile’s poems are one of a kind. They speak right through to bone and marrow and I’d definitely recommend this for all the fierce and firerey women out there.

The anthology is divided into four parts. The first part: Wound is a prelude to healing and knowing that we are worthy of love despite the wounds inflicted by society, our parents, our loved ones and ourselves.

I walk in, hurt from the day.
How much tired is in black living?
I want light bones and lots of money.
I want it easier.
I want it white with little sorry.
~ Sometimes – Upile Chisala

The 2nd part: Hunger, shines a light on desiring better for yourself. Knowing that your pain doesn’t define you and choosing to know that you are worthy of joy.

Darling.
There’s so much life in this place.
Everything is begging you to breathe.
~ Gently – Upile Chisala

The 3rd part: Swoon is definitely a sweet melody of stories, being swept off your feet. Ah, who doesn’t love love? Definitely my favorite part of this anthology.

Love can be sudden but still certain.
You could be folding clothes in the swelter
In a small town known only for its smallness
And look up and see his heart for what it is
And that’s enough to say ‘I love you’
And that is enough to mean it.
~ The sixth day of December – Upile Chisala

The 4th part: Sister, is a eulogy for all the ones who’ve held our hands as we trod the dark alleys of this chaotic life. Those whose appreciation ought to be sang on every rooftop. This part taught me gratitude for my sisters. Both blood and water. But the water sure sticks as close as the blood.

I am learning to be more thoughtful in my healing.
Please stop me if all I put on your plate is in my pain.
Real love is a full meal and friends don’t let friends starve.
~ Learning to friendship – Upile Chisala

This anthology is a must read. So are all Upile Chisala’s poems. Because in them, you will find the solace that her words ring to your ears about the beauty of everything. Do let me know if you have read these poems and what you thought about them in the comment section.

Cheers.