Masquerade

by O.O. Sangoyomi

Slightly annoyed, I saw that the disruption was caused by the arrival of a dozen men,

Classic

It was this, even more than our seemingly mystical abilities, that made us so despised; our largest crime was being, not just women, but women without a man to belong to.

there are no Ahosi warriors in Ṣàngót. Aláràá women do not fight—your exercise is to make you stronger for childbearing.”

Dont give the US govt any ideas

As a blacksmith, my value had lain in my ability to produce for the state. And now, according to Gassire, my value as a noblewoman would lay in … my ability to produce for the state.

“Because she cannot marry her own son, she resents any woman who can.”

#BoyMom

His face was the same tranquil mask he had worn for the soldiers, as smooth as still water. But now he had pulled me beneath the surface with him. It was strangely comforting, knowing I was not drowning alone. Two was too many to be an accident; if there were us two, then maybe we were meant to be under. If I had him with me, then maybe I did not need air anyway.

It was easy for Àrmọ to love me; it cost him nothing. However, it seemed that I was expected to love him by giving myself to him.

The men could only fathom victory if it was achieved through strength.

an ember was never as feared as a flame, yet it burned just as hot.

Men called us witches, they thought us demons, and yet, it was they who wished to possess us.

He waged wars, ravaged entire villages, and killed countless people. And I committed an act equally as violent: I loved him.

“Living untethered to a man is the kindest fate a woman can meet.