Chasing Humans: A Poetic Film

Feb18

”Human life is as evanescent as the morning dew or a flash of lightning.’‘ – Samuel Butler. I agree because life and love is a journey. Find out more in this short documentary I wrote and directed with a friend.

Here’s a transcript of the film:

Life is a journey, and it starts with a cry… the cry of a new-born baby. It ends with moans, groans, or the contented sigh of an older man or woman who’s led a fruitful life.

Or it can end in running feet, a chase, a stab, searing pain, blood splattered on the sidewalk, the cold street receding away as a young life flitter away into nothingness…

A life cut short…

Humans are chasing humans and killing without thought or regard for the pains inflicted on unfamiliar people.

Life can end well, or, it may end in tragedy.

Twenty years ago, I got married to the man of my dreams, and two years later, I was in the hospital, in labour, and anticipating the birth of my son.

It was a complicated process. A short life, my son passed away two days after he was born.

My life stopped briefly.

I didn’t know how to process my grief. I cried every night, and I prayed every night.

Days passed. Time didn’t wait for my grief. And I healed with the love of my husband and family.

Three months later, there was a miracle.

I was pregnant again. This time, everything felt different, but I was hiding my fears. I smiled openly while I cried and cringed inside, wondering if the new life growing inside me would live, and survive.

Nine months later, I welcomed another son.
He lives. He’s kind and makes me laugh. He’s energetic and loves life. I had two more children, a daughter and another son.

My family means everything to me.

But something is wrong.

I’ve lived in London for over fifteen years, and every time there’s a young life wasted on the streets, I remember the child I lost.

Although my son died as a new-born baby and in different circumstances, I relive the pain every time I read or watch the news of another senseless killing of young people on our streets.

My eldest son is now 17. He’s brilliant and hardworking. He had one of the best GCSE results in his school, and he’s currently studying Medicine at A levels. He wants to be a doctor. Samuel wants to help and make our society a better place for everyone.

But should I be afraid anytime he’s out of the house? Or because of the colour of his skin?

Can I have hope that things will improve, and that love may conquer hatred, racism, anger and the ugliness inherent in the human soul?

My son believes in a better society, a better world.

Rafael Benedetti wants the world to see goodness in him. Fay Beneddeti intends to champion the course of women and family. These people are keen to see positive changes in our society.

Maybe, there is hope Afterall.

I won’t be afraid anymore.

Hope, no matter how fleeting is still better than fear.

Loving humans can be a reality while chasing humans could become a myth.

I hope love wins!

I want life to end well for our young people.

Let’s start from the beginning.

Seyi Sandra David.

The Mist…

Sep12

Pain Is Easy To Hide! How Sad!!

Dean’s (name withheld) right fist landed with such ferocious force that his wife’s head almost bounced off her neck, she screamed, making feeble attempts to defend herself but blows after blows landed on her body; her children watched in fear, unable to move. Janet (name withheld) ran out of the room but Dean followed, his eyes bloodshot, his blood raging with tyrannical fury. She tripped and landed on the floor as the orgy of violence continued, and then out of the blue, tiny fists landed on his back. The children couldn’t take it anymore, they felt they had to defend their mother. That was when he stopped. He stood up, his chest heaving up and down, staring at his wife on the floor, he spat out coldly,

‘If you come to the room again, I would kill you!’

Janet knew it wasn’t a bluff, she tried to control herself as her children wept beside her, their tiny bodies shaking with sorrow. She stood up with difficulty and reached for her phone. The police would save her, she thought with shaky hands as she dialled 999 and waited…

This is a true story, and I felt compelled to share it. If you are Janet, what are you going to do? Would you stay for the sake of your children or run for dear life?

This woman has faced years of abuse in the hands of her husband of nine years, yet, she stuck to him like glue. I told her to do what she thinks is best, I found it difficult to tell her what to do, even though I knew what I would do if I were in her position. However, if this beast in human clothing kills her, what would happen? He would probably get five years for manslaughter if he got a good lawyer. We all knew that Oscar Pistorius who killed Reeva, his girlfriend, is now on the verge of freedom, a suspended sentence, or would probably serve few years in jail.

I love happy endings but humans are such complicated creatures! Tonight, I wished Janet would leave that monster with her kids, but things are easier said than done! So I’ll be praying along with her and hope that she comes to a realistic decision soon, for the sake of her own safety and sanity.

******

Someone once said that life is like a mist, we appear and soon disappear afterwards and I believe that to be true. I want to appreciate everyone who left a comment on my last post ‘Unknown,’ https://seyisandradavid.org/2014/08/19/unknown/ I couldn’t pick the best answer, they were all sensible and great. I had wanted to send one of my three books in print to the winner, but because I couldn’t make up my mind, I decided to give three books instead with free postage and all that. The only thing is, if you want a copy of any of my books, you would read it and leave a review on Amazon. If you’re interested, please leave your email on my contact page and then I’ll be able to send you a message and get the details on how to send the said books.

I apologise for my protracted silence, I didn’t plan it but life just gets in the way all the time! I wish you all a beautiful weekend! 🙂 Whatever you do, just stay out of trouble and be good!

Much love, always! 🙂

Homecoming!

Jun15

Happy Father’s Day!

Today, my husband and I watched several videos of military men and women coming home after a tour of duty, and I couldn’t help but cry. Father’s day isn’t the only day to appreciate men (and women) who risk their lives to make us safe. Daily, we ought to appreciate the men in our lives, for their devotion, love, and care.

My son made the day worthwhile by giving my husband a hand-made card with this beautiful poem. With his permission, you can read it below:

When I scratched my knee,

Or if I bumped my head,

When I was afraid of the dark,

Or that thing under my bed.

When I cried that night,

Or even in the day,

You were there for me

To make it okay!

*****

His dad had a huge grin on his face and they hugged tightly. I kind of missed my dad, but I was privileged to have enjoyed almost forty years with him. To all fathers worldwide, whether you’re serving in the military, or serving to put food on the table for your family, I wish you all a Happy Father’s day!

Here’s a very heart-warming video of serving military men returning home, I wonder if you’ll shed a tear! 🙂

To the men… You Rock!!

Have a great week my friends! Please keep safe!

Much love, always! 🙂

Seyi David

I GOT YOU BABE!

Feb17

Through the rain, the sleet, the snow

I got you babe.

Through the tempest, the hailstone and storms,

I got you babe.

Through the tough times and pain

I got you babe.

Through the laughter and moments of madness

I got you babe.

Through everything life may throw at us

I got you babe!

****

I’d always loved Cher’s voice and while the kids were screaming downstairs, (they’re on half term break) I sneaked upstairs and immersed` myself in their song, ‘I Got You Babe.’ It was nice, simple and full of love. Though Sonny (Cher’s former husband) passed away a few years ago, and they did divorced before his passing, I believe Cher and Sonny truly cared for each other. You can listen here if you want. 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80QHRTQ3Kmw

This week, I hope we’ll all find what would cheer our hearts. It would also be nice to send cheers to others. I wish you peace and joy friends. Have a fantastic week.

Much love, always!

🙂

Avanlanche: The Fall…

Feb14

(Photo credit: Krappweis)

The air was crisp and clean, the sky blue and clear. Amanda inhaled deeply, imagining the stress leaving her body. She watched her husband from the corner of her eyes: the sharp, well-shaped jaws, the bushy eyebrows, and the serious expression almost drew a chuckle but she clamped down on it.

It was their last day in Switzerland and against all odds, she had truly enjoyed herself. Now she had to confront her husband and tell him the real reason she wanted a divorce. They walked towards their cabin in silence as Amanda cleared her throat noisily. Pete gave her a quick sideways glance and opened the door.

Amanda strolled towards the sofa and sank into it, while Pete removed his gloves and boots.

‘I slept with Alex!’

Pete stood still like a statue, even the sweat on his brows froze in disbelief. He ground his teeth and approached his wife menacingly. Alex had been his friend from childhood. They were practically brothers, what a fool I’d been! He thought in anger but something held him in check, he didn’t believe it.

‘When?’ He mouthed the words and knelt in front of his wife, his eyes were incredibly dry and he looked very calm.

‘Three months ago…’ she closed her eyes briefly, ‘the night we had a fight on the phone.’

‘Where?’

‘I called him and he came over to the house.’ Amanda involuntarily put her hand to her mouth as if she’d said too much.

‘We made up when I got back Amanda!’ Pete said slowly, strangely, his anger had dissipated.

‘I know…’ and she began to cry, ‘for what’s worth, I had no recollection of it as such. I was wasted, very drunk.’

Pete made up his mind there and then to fight for his marriage but Amanda was not finished.

‘Three weeks later I found out I was pregnant.’

That was when Pete lost it. He picked Amanda up effortlessly and almost hurled her against the wall, she wailed on his shirt, expecting the worse, then like a China plate, he put her down gently. He hurriedly put his gloves on, wore his shoes and rushed out of the cabin.

Two hours later, there was a knock on the door, Amanda hurriedly opened it, worried sick. Standing calmly at the door were two Swiss officers, their expressions looked grim. Amanda crumpled to the floor in a faint…

………………….

NP: It wasn’t all bad news though! 🙂 Pete was trapped in an avalanche but luckily, he’d survived. Amanda gave birth to twin sons… Well, when she did the DNA paternity test, Pete was the father of her sons. Their marriage survived. Pete quit his job in the City, and now had his own company. They went through months of counselling and the last time I spoke to Pete, he sounded optimistic, but he confessed that it was hard. However, he loves his wife, he’d forgiven her and was determined to give their marriage a chance to heal.

Relationships are not easy, Amanda and Pete had made up their mind to fight for their marriage and I wish them the best. To all my friends all over the world, I won’t wish you love because today is Valentine, I’m wishing you love all year round. May your hearts find peace and joy!

Much love, always!

🙂

Avalanche

Feb8

(Photo Credit: Flickr)

Pete stared at the papers in his hands and his blood froze.

Amanda, his wife of five years wanted a divorce, what a way to start the year! He sat down wearily on the bed as his mind raced to the red-head beauty who bumped into him at Mile End underground station in London – she had apologised profusely and they got talking. Within weeks, their romance blossomed. As an Investment Banker, Pete had little time to woo her but Amanda more or less took control of his life.

Within two years, they were married, and his parents were delighted. A year after marriage, Amanda was desperate for a child, he wasn’t that bothered. After all, he’s always holed up at his office in the City, slaving away to make as much money as he could. They hardly spend time together and deep down, he knew it could be the reason she wanted out. They love each other, why would Amanda think divorcing him would make her life better? The noise of his phone disrupted his reminiscing and he grunted before picking it up from the bedside table.

‘Yeah,’ Pete drawled and listened, then clicked it shut. Switzerland. He’d totally forgotten about the holiday he’d pre booked weeks earlier. Like a slow motion, hope began a painful ascent in his mind. Maybe, just maybe, time away from their usual life in London would spice things up a bit, and talk of divorce would disappear.

Half an hour later, Amanda strolled into the room, avoiding any eye contacts.

‘Shouldn’t we at least talk about this?’ Pete asked quietly, waving the papers in his hands. He couldn’t stop staring at his wife, whose hourglass figure never ceased to amaze him.

‘We’ll talk when we get to Switzerland,’ she replied. Pete laughed and said lightly, ‘Women and holidays!’

But there was something different about her. He stood up and pulled her into his arms, he was half expecting her to resist but she didn’t.

‘Is this what you want honey?’ he mumbled into her hair, rocking her as he would a day old baby.

Amanda swallowed hard, then closed her eyes. How could she back track now after realising the root of their problems? Divorce was the only way out, or so she thought…

………

NP: I was supposed to have posted this on Thursday but I was extremely busy, I would have to make this a two or three-part series. Amanda and Pete are a couple whose story touched me deeply. It’s also a true story, but as usual, I would change their names to protect their identity and add elements of fiction to it as well. I would post the next part sometimes next week, at least before Valentine’s day. Martin Luther said something that touched me: ‘There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.’

Call me a traditionalist, but my parents have been married for almost fifty years, they had their good, bad, and excellent times but they stuck together. Now I think they’re best of friends.

I hope you would have a peaceful, restful and enjoyable week. I intend to!

Much love, always! 🙂

The Beast

Feb3

(Photo Credit: Flickr)

Laura had trouble sleeping, she watched enviously as her husband slept soundly like a baby. She closed her eyes and willed her body to relax, fifteen minutes later, it worked, and she drifted off into a fitful sleep. Claps of thunder woke her up hours later, reluctantly, she opened her eyes and listened as flashes of light competed in a show of power. However, amidst the thunderous symphony, she also detected a faint but familiar sound, she listened and froze with fright when she realised it was the voice of Anna, her fourteen year old daughter.

She turned to touch her husband, but he wasn’t there. Panicking, she leapt out of bed and slowly crept down the stairs. Someone was in her home, a stranger. Her heart in her mouth, she moved stealthily, afraid to alert the intruder. By now, Anna was howling, Laura threw caution to the wind and breezed into the kitchen, grabbed a large knife and dashed into her daughter’s room.

Ashley, her husband of eighteen mouths was lying on top of her daughter, naked waist down. Anna stopped crying when she saw her mother and Laura felt alien, as she seemed to move out of her body… Swiftly, she raised the knife above her head.

………..

Two years later, Anna walked briskly down a hallway, her heart beating with love. It was Valentines Day, and, the love of her life is in prison. Many people called her mother a beast, but she knew that it was her Step-father who was the real beast. He had repeatedly raped her, threatening to kill her mother if she uttered a single word to a living soul. As far as Anna was concerned, the death of Ashley was a welcome relief. Her mother would be out in a couple of years, and with her mother by her side, life couldn’t be better. They would live happily ever after!

………….

NP: I am a realistic writer, if you’ve read any of my books, you should know by now that I’m not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, and this was a very difficult topic for me to write. Many women are trapped in abusive relationships, where their partners are raping or had raped their daughters – it’s an ugly scenario. But it could be stopped: there are warning signs really, when your partner is unduly interested in your daughter, that leery, lustful look is often too glaring to hide, (mind you, not all Step-fathers are Ashley!) Left for me, I wish all marriages ended with ‘the happily ever after theme,’ but that would be living in a fairy tale world. Even though I don’t support what Laura did, the beast in some people cannot be tamed, they can only be stopped!

………….

Where there are beasts, there are also saints. Like Hugh Mackay would say: ‘ Nothing is perfect. Life is messy. Relationships are complex. Outcomes are uncertain. People are irrational.’

I hope you’ll all have a pleasant week. I’ll be back on Thursday with a very interesting topic in my ‘happily ever after theme!’

Much love, always!

🙂 🙂

Ever After?

Feb1

(Photo credit: Flickr)

‘Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.’

Aristotle.

******

Alero kneaded the dough and used her free hand to mop her sweaty brows. Her husband was away on business but she noticed the surreptitious glances threw her way by the neighbours and it saddened her. Abel is the love of her life but of recent, she had trouble believing the ‘happily ever after’ theory.

A shrill sound interrupted her sad thoughts and she walked briskly to the living room, picking up the landline phone and whispered hoarsely, her voice constricted with tears.

‘Hello.’

‘Hey darling,’ Abel, her husband of five years, said slowly on the other line, ‘are you okay? You sound awful.’

She gritted her teeth then replied carefully, trying in vain to control the turbulent emotions coursing through her, ‘when are you coming home?’

‘I’m outside the door!’

Alero dropped the phone and flew to the door, she flung it open and saw Abel kneeling down on one knee, a huge grin on his brown face.

‘Forgive me darling, I promise to love you forever!’

She didn’t know what to say.

Abel stood up slowly and clasped her in a tight, warm embrace. Alero was limp in his arms, she felt nothing. Few seconds passed then she asked,

‘What exactly do you want me to forgive you for?’

‘The ‘ever after’ marriage is not a bed of roses. I have flaws my love, as you do, but we can work through it all.’

Alero now understood, and she held her husband tightly, wondering if ‘happily ever after’ is not a myth after all.

*******

In the spirit of ‘Valentine,’ I would be exploring a lot of relationships and how we could turn more towards the ‘happily ever after’ theme. Forgiveness and tolerance is the key for the success of any human relationship. Love conquers all…

Enjoy your weekend friends!

Much love, always!

🙂

The Piano

Oct21

My son came home from school today and told me about this short animation they watched at school. While he recounted the story to me, he had tears in his eyes. I was moved but thought nothing of it. Then before he went to bed, he took my laptop and showed me the animation.

Well, I listened to it and had tears in my eyes too.

It was a very moving story about a man, who lost his wife, friend, son and was only left with his grandson. In all honesty, I couldn’t explain this story using mere words, but I guess if you listen to the music you’ll understand it.

A wise man once said, ”Life is a song – sing it. Life is a game – play it. Life is a challenge – meet it. Life is a dream – realize it. Life is a sacrifice – offer it. Life is love – enjoy it.” Sai Baba

This week, I hope you’ll all sing life’s song, meet life’s challenges, play life’s game, realise your dreams, offer sacrifices of love and above all, love and enjoy your life!!

Have a great week everyone!

Much love, always!

🙂

The Goops

Aug23

(Photo credit: Nolan Caldwell, Flickr)

The Goops they lick their fingers

And the Goops they lick their knives:

They spill their froth on the tablecloth

Oh, they lead disgusting lives!

The Goops they talk while eating,

And loud and fast they chew;

And that is why I’m glad that I Am not a Goop,

are you?

By Gillette Burgess

********

Life is incredibly hard at times but I’ve found out that we don’t need to take ourselves too serious sometimes. I’ll immerse myself in goopy behaviour this weekend, laugh at silly jokes, play in the sand with the kids, watch comedy, enjoy nature (like that incredibly beautiful picture) sing, pray and enjoy life. Succinctly put, I’m gonna live. Please guys, join me and have some fun… Enjoy yourselves!

NP: The Goop is a poem that tries to teach kids to behave, but I had no intention of doing that this weekend, but on Monday, I’ll be back to the normal Seyi Sandra David!

Au’revoir everyone and have fun!!

Much love, always!

🙂