In the name of The Finder
I don’t know where my roots are in dunya
Today I’m an American
And a Turkish wife
Yesterday, I was an Ivorian because of the melting pot of African countries found in this unique country once victim of a Clash of Castes
It’s where I’m originally a native from and can at least trace part of my ancestral roots from
I am also an African and not just because I was born in a country within the lines of that continent
Why?
Because people have said I look like a Nigerian woman
Many others say I look like a Ghanaian woman
A very closed friend said he saw my veiled doppelganger in South Africa
Why not? You see
I’m a time traveler see history lover
I’m a wayfarer
I’m a solemn sufi
And no, I don’t dance at least not these days
I prefer silent moments of reflection and quietude
So What exactly Am I based on the popular vote?
They say my name originates in Sierra Leone
The resemblance between my siblings, relatives, and people from Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gambia and America is often shocking and mind-boggling
West African Muslim Clerics say I’m from Mali and before that perhaps Niger
I’m an international foodie with a great penchant for anything Somalian or Ethiopian
So Who Am I?
A wanderer
What else?
I’m a wonder-er and a dreamer
I’m passing through this life
I came from far and my soul has traveled for a long time for this divine task
And it’s still trekking a long journey or route ahead back to the eternal bliss to complete the task
I know I have not suffered like many other Africans still trying to find themselves
Yet, my minimal struggle can’t be denied
And He found me lost several years ago and He Guided me
Now my soul knows that one thing is for sure:
I’m a global citizen and I have the blood and imprint of many cultures within me and above all
I’m the daughter of Adam and Eve (May God be please with them).
— Papatia Feauxzar, An Accidental Poet
