“Tangled Web Story” is not just a poem but a reflection of what happens in so many of our lives daily. I wrote it when everything felt wrong. I was in conflict, confused, and hanging on by threads of resolve. Life is that way sometimes: like a tangled puzzle with too many missing pieces.

For me, it was like being in a web, a web woven by my fears, overthinking, disappointments, family and societal expectations, and the frustration of attempting to get life right. And the more I fought to “fix” it all, the tighter it got. I know I’m not alone in this, a lot of us, especially young Nigerians, can relate to that “what exactly is going on?” phase where everything is moving but nothing seems to be working.

ALSO READ: Made in Africa: A Poem for the Culture

But here’s the thing I learned: it only takes one tiny piece of truth, one change of mind, and one choice to flip the whole story. And more often than not, it is not even the situation that keeps us trapped, but the assumption that we are, that there is no way out. And thus, that alone gives our issues more power than they deserve. Before we know it, we’re wedged in our web of excuses, fear, pressure, and emotional exhaustion.

Tangled Web Story is me laying it all out, having the words speak to what it feels like to become tangled in the web of life, but also realizing that clarity, however small, can start the process of unravelling.
This one is for anyone stuck, trapped, or confused. You’re not alone — and you can get free too. With this thought in mind, I thought it’d be nice to share a poem reflecting this, and I hope you enjoy reading this piece as much as I enjoyed every bit of the writing process!

ALSO READ: An Island: A poem of solitude

Tangled Web Story

I was in a tangled tangling web, 
fighting to cut each cumbersome cob.
Like one stricken with dementia,
my heart in a tumour couldn't decipher.

Every tangled attempt to break free
slapped me hard across the face.
As the clock ticks by I stayed stuck
feeling like my tangled experiences suck,

Day by day; tide by tide
I fought furiously to break free.
Like a Lion, I used my strength
All ended in futile effort.

Then one day it struck a chord
that one element missed I dearly
I sighed in relief as I easily
broke free like David defeated Goliath.

All rights reserved. Copyright belongs to Aishasavvy.

Now Let’s Talk About The Spider…

Let’s get real — how many times have you told yourself, “I’ll start tomorrow,” or “Let me just get this sorted first,” or “I’ll follow my dream when the time is right”?

As Nigerians, we’re raised to be “practical.” Go to school, get that degree, get a job (even one that sucks your soul), save for rainy days, and maybe—just maybe—retire and then finally start doing what you love. But let me tell you what I have learned: rainy days never stop falling, and “the right time” is usually a good-looking excuse with fear and perfectionism.

ALSO READ: The dialogue: A poem of good and bad

We are stuck in this cycle of postponing purpose. And it is not just fear; society is guilty too. If you are not getting a salary, “what are you doing with your life?” If you are not in tech, medicine, or oil and gas, people start asking if you are okay. If you say you want to sing, write, or make art, someone will tell you that “passion no dey pay bills.”

But here is the bitter truth: past time is not waiting. Lagos traffic won’t pause. The price of garri won’t drop. Your dream is there—waiting. Not going anywhere. Gathering dust.

I’ve seen it. I spent the longest time devoting my time to “serious work”—working 9 to 5 as a Brand and Digital Marketing Manager, holding down various managerial jobs, and building solid brands across Nigeria. It gave structure, paid bills, and built a name. Yet I still knew that, deep inside, I was denying myself the one thing that made me seem human: creating things.

It always used to be storytelling that fed me. Music-well, that’s the rhythm of my heartbeat. Yet I kept postponing that part of me. The time would never be right when maybe I could have more time or more money or more headspace. And, above all, peace. Then I realized: peace never comes by itself; I have to create it.

ALSO READ: ‘Last last… Delay no be denial’: A poem of survival

And so, I did something: I decided. I decided on myself. I decided on my stories. I decided on my sound. I decided to be present for me.

This is the reason why I’m over the moon to announce that my first music single is about to be out! Raw, honest, filled with beauty in finally showing up for my dreams, it captures every feeling, every lesson learned, and every fight I have fought through-all the textures of my life. It’s more than a song. It’s a declaration: I’m done waiting.

https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va99gavDeONCGjFLNv2L

Aishasavvy

Thanks For Popping in

Let’s talk about you. What’s your flair? What makes you tick on the inside? Photography? Dancing? Makeup artistry? Fashion? Spoken word? Writing that blog, you’ve named ten posts for but haven’t begun?

Whatever it is, don’t wait. You don’t require a perfect plan. You don’t require ₦5,000,000. You require starting with what you have, where you are. There are individuals out there who require your light, your voice, and your perspective.

It’s fine if it’s messy.
It’s fine if it’s slow.
It’s fine if it’s scary.

Just don’t let your gift die in silence.

ALSO READ: Soft Life Chronicles: Poetry about the true meaning of luxury

So, my advice to you: start now. Not next month. Not when you have it all figured out. Now.

And if you need someone cheering you on, someone walking this same wild, beautiful road of creative rebirth — I’ve got you. Let’s grow together. That marks the start of a new year, a new beginning of dreams and wishes fulfilled. Please drop in your remarks in the comments section below. If you enjoy the blog, spread the joy to someone special by clicking on the share button. I am working on growing my blog, and it would mean a great deal if you could join me on this journey. Thank you for stopping by, and please don’t forget to put a little thought into my name!

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One reply on “TANGLED WEB STORY: A POETRY OF UNCERTAINTY”

  • Akintola Omowunmi
    September 10, 2023 at 7:12 am

    Victory is for those who do not relient, there’s always light shinning at the end of a tunnel

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