Wana Udobang’s electrifying spoken-word meditation on self-love, forgiveness and understanding ourselves

"Nothing about you is useless...." So begins Wana Udobang’s “The Banquet" tucked into which is tremendous sagacity on how to be a good and beautiful human being.

Partway between poem and public service announcement to all women, the spoken-word masterpiece is the finest, sharpest poem written about self reflection and self-love.

Sit down someplace that can contain your chills and watch the video above:

'The Banquet' by Wana Udobang

Never discard the bones.

Boil them till the marrow slips and melts on your tongue. Nothing about you is useless

Soften your heart.

You need to be tender enough to soak up the flavours, temper enough to mop up the juice. You mustn’t be hard to swallow

Revel in your beauty.

There is something about texture and tone that make for a gastronomic feast. You are stunning

Adorn your flesh like silk.

Let it drape you, cascade over your shoulders, mould around your breast, fold itself between your vulva, sliding down your thighs, hugging your calves as it gently covers your feet, dripping on your toes. Hold your head high and waltz like the belle at the ball. You are a feast for every eye

Take your time.

You need to marinade, mould and mature. A stew from your mother’s clay pot is never made in a day. You needn’t be rushed

Renew your spirit.

Prayers are the tender embers that simmer to perfection. Blow lightly; you need not scream he hears your heart speak

Take the first bite.

Please yourself, love yourself, feed yourself.

Forgive.

Regrets will ruin the broth

Let go.

Bitterness shares no room with exquisite flavours

Keep the leftovers.

They make for worthwhile memories, besides there is always a lesson to learn.

For more brilliant Nigerian poems, see 10 Nigerian contemporary poetry books you should read right now

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