I’m 38, while Evans is 24, church member, job hunting, irreligious, not too handsome. He came in contact with my phone number after we came for a youth program in church and we were linked together for a church assignment, an assignment that involved us holding the money that was contributed to buy baby items for a pregnant woman in our group. The assignment was successful and everyone went their way. But once in a while, Evans would view my WhatsApp status. Sometimes he would comment in the brotherly-churchy way when I updated my WhatsApp status. I also viewed his status once in a while, but in a way that was detached. During the period around the presidential election we talked about what was happening in Nigeria, how we were all hopeful that change was about to happen in Nigeria, and then our hopes were torn apart when the result of the presidential election was announced. Then one day I posted that I was hiring. I was looking for someone who could help me in my finishings shop. He was the first to reply, fifty two seconds after the post uploaded.
“Do you have any experience in finishings?”
“Yes, ma. I did it for my elder brother before I started school, but he wasn’t paying me then.”
“Okay,” I said. I gave him the address of my shop, and he said “Thank you ma.”
That was how Evans became my employee. From church brother to my employee. People were often careful about church brothers and sisters, especially when it came to business, but Evans was truthful about the things he said about himself. He was very effective in handling the finishing machines. I also loved the fact that he was not one of those church people who were always preaching to people, even while at work. I’ve had one of such people in the past. She kept inviting me to see her pastor and I kept refusing till she finally left when she became pregnant. Her husband asked her to stop working, to safeguard their unborn baby. Evans carried his religion lightly, and he was a great fresh air in my workplace.
Let me stop here and say a few things about my personal life. The truth is that I’ve gone through a lot in the hands of men. In Nigeria we say Men are scum, but I don’t like using the word Scum. Not that the saying is untrue. I just don’t like the word.
When I was 25, I gathered my money and gave my boyfriend to support his business, but he ended up marrying another girl. I shrank and then allowed myself to spring back to life again. After that I’ve gone through many relationships that kept failing, but for four years, I decided to stay on my own. My sisters are all married, and everyone wonders what is wrong with me. Because I’m single, some of them call me on phone asking me to help them with one thing or the other, especially the ones who now have kids. The unspoken words are these: Because you are still single, can you please support us to raise our children while you wait for yours to come? But of course those words were never spoken out loud. They are often caged in “My children no longer have clothes o. I just hope that someone will help me out. My husband is trying, but you know men nau. They expect you to do some certain things.” Or they would say, “The children have been asking about you. You know school is about to open. They will need new exercise books.”
Sometimes I would send some money to my sisters, other times I would say that things were hard. “You know everywhere is hard in this Buhari’s regime.” And it was true. Things were hard. Buhari’s regime really dealt with my finances.
It’s been four years of staying on my own. My parents are both dead and so nobody is recommending one pastor or the other who would deliver me from the bondage of spinsterhood. This was particularly the assignment my mother kept doing until she died five years ago. I was 33 when she died. We had visited many prophets and pastors, sowed seeds of money, fasted together, so that God would give me a husband. But my good mother is now dead, and apart from attending the Sunday services of my local church, I have not gone to see any other pastor or prophet for prayers. I sincerely understood my mother’s concern about me, and sometimes I still think about her, how she would often drive our conversations towards marriage, husbands and powerful pastors. She was always on the lookout for any pastor that people say could perform miracles.
It’s been four years of being single. I kept pushing the men away who kept coming to suck from me. You would always know those kind of men. They kept coming, feeling entitled as though I should pamper them for their willingness to save me from my horrible spinsterhood. I’m still surprised about the fact that there are many jobless men in Aba looking for women who would take care of them. This is what my spinsterhood has opened my eyes to see: many jobless men who have no direction in their lives. I’m surprised because looking at them from afar, you would think they are sane and responsible. When they come close to you, that is when you would discover that they are vagabonds in good clothes.
Until Evans came to work for me. The last person who worked for me was a girl. She was 19, and she left to attend school after she got admission from Imo State University. That was why I started looking for a new worker, someone who would be efficient and fast with the finishing machines.
Evans was good, respectful, and funny. He often philosophized about life, and he was a keen follower of Nnamdi Kanu, the freedom fighter. He had worked for four months before I asked him to work overtime; I would pay him for the overtime. He agreed. After we were done with the work, late in the night, he said he would go home with me. “Won’t your parents get angry?” I asked.
“I’ve told them already. They said okay.”
I have heard of women in their late thirties or forties having sexual affairs with younger men, but I had never thought it was a rational thing to do, never thought it was something I myself was capable of doing, for whatever reason. Our bodies will always vent out what it had suppressed for a long time. Evans was also starved of affection. Both of us being in the same room that night, our flesh drew the attention of each other until they explored each other in intimacy. It happened after we have had something to eat. After some seconds, Evans leaned over and started to kiss me. It was unexpected, it was rousing, it was sweet. And I was human.
.
Evans would continue to work for me for the next one year, but I never allowed him to come to my house again. He left after a year to seek for a better paying job. He told me he was leaving, that he got a job in Umuahia, and I gave him some extra money, in addition to his salary. He was one of the most loyal people I’ve ever worked with. He was also very friendly with my customers.
I’m still friends with Evans. At least on WhatsApp. We never talked about what happened that night. We both knew why it happened. And there was no need to talk about it. On my birthday shortly after he left, he sent me a message:
Happy birthday to you ma. You are one of the kindest people I ever met. You see people for who they are, and you have a free spirit. I pray that God will send you a man that will complete you and cherish you just as you deserve.
Much love from Evans.
So Evans is just my friend now. Not my employee anymore.
Isaac Aju is a Nigerian storyteller whose works have appeared in both UK and US literary journals and publications including Poetry X Hunger, Penned In Rage Journal, Writers’ Journal – Live And Learn. His historical poems on Biafra will be published by Flapper Press at the end of the month. He lives in Nigeria where he works as a fashion designer, designing and making clothes for men.
Improving speaking skills through using role-play games
Olimova Shahina Botirjon qizi
Student of Uzbekistan State World Languages University
Abstract: As Globalization is changing rapidly; English is becoming the primary international communicative language across the world. Therefore, responding to students’ needs about improving oral skills in English can be effectively achieved through role-playing games. This article investigates the effectiveness of using innovative approaches and engaging games in teaching and provides useful methods and implementations for developing speaking skills.
Introduction: English is a language. mainly used by people to communicate with each other to make relationships, so English is a crucial bridge that connects people with other nations. Speaking is the most productive skill that requires doing. practices continuously, as compared to other parts. However, there are some problems that students face frequently, and teachers need to help them to alleviate challenges. Firstly, many students feel nervous or self-conscious. when they speak, especially in front of their peers and teachers.
Secondly, a restricted vocabulary can make it more challenging to express their opinion. clearly; it leads to hesitation and frustration while speaking. Thirdly, Students may struggle with pronouncing words, which can mainly affect their clarity and make it difficult for others to understand them. Additionally, one of the biggest problems that make it difficult for students to speak is that They usually may not have enough opportunity to practice speaking in a suitable environment due to limited classroom activities.
Problems that are counted above are divided into two main parts: internal and external factors. Internal factors consist of motivation, confidence, and background knowledge, while external factors involve teacher interaction, class environment, and interactive methods.
For solving these problems, role-play can be effective. teaching technique that can enhance students’ communication ability for several reasons.
1. Role play emphasizes students’ participation. This game engages students to play different kinds of characters and encourages them to simulate real-life situations where students can practice speaking skills in comfortable atmosphere. It helps them to become more comfortable with various conversations. and varied interactions.
2. Engaging in role play allows students to practice without fear of judgment. As they become more familiar with speaking in various roles, their confidence grows; consequently, it leads to improvement in fluency.
3. Students use different vocabularies that are related. to specific topics. and scenes that aid retention and help them understand how to use vocabulary and grammar appropriately in different situations.
4. Role play encourages students to think critically. and boost their fluency. In role plays, students must think on their feet. which can contribute to enhancing their ability to formulate thoughts quickly and articulate them clearly.
5. Working with classmates during play exercises boosts not only their teamwork skills but also their collaborative communication ability as they negotiate roles and scenarios together.
Research and discussion:
This research was conducted in the classroom. For observation, fifth-grade students were selected, consisting of 18 students. It is intended to improve their speaking. ability through role-playing games. The study was conducted over eight weeks.
Week 1: Participants took a pre-test to assess their speaking proficiency. Teachers introduced role-play activities that involved daily basic conversations such as ordering food in a restaurant, buying vegetables, and fruits from supermarkets. It was not too complicated and challenging; that can easily engage groups in traditional speaking exercises.
Week 2-7: The experimental group participated in weekly role-play scenes. Each session focused on different types of topics, and students were able to rotate their roles; consequently, they ensured a diverse set of speaking opportunities. They tried to speak without learning sentences by heart.
Week 8: At the end of the 8 weeks, students took a speaking exam to compare their results with pre-tests. It was exactly shown that there were significant increases in their speaking proficiency scores. When teachers got a speaking test from students; they were able to see great improvement in not only their grammatical and lexical resources, but also in their fluency. During the conversation, 80 percent of students used complex structures and complicated vocabularies about specific topics, and they expressed their opinion without hesitation and interruptions. Additionally, students had a more positive attitude. towards speaking in English and saw greater confidence in their speaking ability.
Conclusion:
Impact of teaching speaking Skills through role play help students to increase their ability to speak. It was shown from the research that through simulating real-life scenarios, participants will be able to practice language skills in supportive and engaging atmosphere. Additionally, during the play, the students learn to be fluent and continue their speech without interruption. After the research, it was clearly shown that the student’s interest in the English language has increased and Also, they learned how to communicate with native speakers.
References:
Harris, D. P. (1997). Testing English as a Second Language.” Bombay: MC Graw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd.
Harmer, J. (2007). “The practice of English language teaching’’ Pearson Longman
Thornbury, S. (2005). “How to teach Speaking.’’ Pearson Longman.
Tudor, I. (2001). “The dynamics of the language classroom.” Cambridge University Press.
Calliope’s Windfall Cadralor
I. Autumn Amity
Nonpolar effect
hydrophobic leaves
aggregate water droplets
may hydrogen bonds join
us in molecule cages.
II. Goslings
Noontime disruption
thundershowers high above
goose and gander honk
once we danced in spring rains
mimicked nature’s celebrants.
III. Hades’ Decan
Sizzling zodiac
liquid smoke spareribs
third March decan caution
we share Pisces confidence
tap psychic propensities.
IV. Worm Moon in Libra
Loving being loved
full moon eclipse in Libra
balanced relationships
I recall picnics, plucking
fresh flowers, crushing on girls.
V. Cathedral
Gargoyle waterspouts
downpours fill granite gutters
cleanse Notre-Dame steps
may our ile de la cité
stroll recapture memories.
Matching Tattoos
Vera woke early today but not alone
last night she’d hammered her way
bar to bar, allowing men & women
to ply her with drinks, twerk & grind
across low lit dancefloors before taking
her leave & exploring other haunts.
I should know; she picked me up
& we spent the night carousing—
a bevy of mixologists alleged
We hooked up on midnight’s backside
when starshine casts cosmic freckles
upon damp pavement & sunrise heralds
fill ebon streets with song; I remember lifting
her inside a taxi, squinting open bloodshot eyes
simultaneously at dawn; confused yet unruffled.
Vera showered in her slip, dressed in an Uber
sipped java as we drove club to club retracing after hour
footsteps to likely saloons, 24-hour cafés & her parked car.
We discovered her sedan at the Ink Masters Tats
chrome hubcaps stripped, tires intact, radio blaring;
she dropped me off out General Electric, my faux
employer, listened to graveyard peacocks cry & scold
like babies from Oakhill Cemetery across the street as we
exchanged phone numbers neither of us intended to dial.
Arc de Triomphe Pilgrims
High school voyagers,
premarital couples,
& collage dropouts backpack
through Normandy fields,
nibble on exotic cheese
sample cuisine, contemplating
a side trip to the Aquitaine
in search of Limousin beef,
duck foie gras, rich, red Bordeaux
wine & a chance to explore
historical landscapes
from the French Alps
to the Pyrenees always atop
Charlemagne’s shoulders
each day celebrated
like St. Crispin’s feast,
Agincourt groupies,
rambling towards Paris
trekking like bicyclists
across the Champs-Élysées.
Wistful Entreaties
Take me back to cherry tree orchards blossoming
throughout Santa Clara Valley in the 1960’s,
a time inspired before birthing Silicon Valley
replaced fertile fields and fruit bearing groves with glass,
steel, cement, tar, high technology, and computer chips.
Free me from yesteryear’s idealized social diaspora
perceived through a senior citizen’s vantage point;
mindful of lessons learned, responsibility accepted,
swing wide youthful curiosity, advancement’s doorway,
acclaim achievements true, own up to virtue questionable.
Help me ignore shadows, recalling bad decisions,
regretting dump yard expeditions, adding rubbish to landfill—
future housing track foundations—major source
of toxins, leachate and greenhouse gases, tolerating
Eichler’s radiant heating, San Jose’s mounting smog.
Let me recall small budget pleasures frequenting
drive-in movie theaters dotting the valley’s
agricultural perimeter, where Steven’s Creek Blvd
gave rancher’s a thoroughfare and the Winchester
Mystery House marked the edge of town.
Grant me childhood bliss hiking amid Alum Rock hills,
searching for treasure filled caves—Joaquin Murrieta’s haunts—
or exploring abandoned shafts inside the condemned
New Almaden quicksilver mines, oblivious
to dangerous rotting timbers and poisonous cinnabar ore.
Permit me quaint mind expansion…just limit my high to Geritol
enhancement; shorten day long treks through San Jose
to mailbox journeys, and venerate fingertip entertainment
as a respectable alternative to clubbing it, theatre premiers,
lowriding kicks, or Mount Umunhum trysts in parked cars.
“O’zapft is!”
(“It is tapped!”)
Löwenbräu flows, Oktoberfest
beer steins raise, village voices shout, “Proust!”
celebrant couples dress in Bavarian garb
from Lederhosen to dirndls, flap arms
like chickens, and twist ageless bodies
to brass bands playing oom-pah-pah music
drifting beer tent to beer tent sampling
warm pretzels dipped in mustard,
savoring smoked brätwurst, sauerkraut,
and käsespätzle, sharing gingerbread hearts,
inhaling apple strudel, basking in camaraderie,
concluding with a horserace recollecting—
honoring—Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess
Theresa of Saxony-Hildburghausen nuptials.
An award-winning author, poet, and former Evergreen Valley College English Professor, Sterling Warner’s works have appeared many literary magazines, journals, and anthologies including Lothlórien Poetry Journal, EkphrasticReview, Synchronized Chaos, and Sparks of Calliope. Warner’s collections of poetry/fiction include Rags and Feathers, Without Wheels, ShadowCat, Edges, Memento Mori: A Chapbook Redux, Serpent’s Tooth, Flytraps, Cracks of Light: Pandemic Poetry & Fiction 2019-2022, Halcyon Days: Collected Fibonacci, Abraxas: Poems (2024), and Masques: Flash Fiction & Short Stories. Presently, Warner writes, hosts/participates in “virtual” poetry readings, turns wood, and enjoys retirement in Washington.
I cannot conceal the flood like emotions rushing towards the river of love
I was terrified, suspicious
When your poetic language flows into a Image
My whole body is like a ripe paddy
Whispering to you,，I know.
The sky will also bloom the color of the heart for us
I stood there at a loss
My heart has already flown far away
I heard birds singing love songs outside the window.
The light, obscured by night, once again traverses the wilderness
It’s like God’s saying what you said to me
I really felt it then
God has given me love that I cannot refuse.
I put on my pink satin pajamas
Stand in front of the mirror
And then I said to you..
Anna Keiko (China)
Anna Keiko, a distinguished poetess and essayist from Shanghai, China, has made a profound impact on contemporary literature. A graduate of Shanghai East China University with a Bachelor’s degree in Law, she has achieved global recognition for her poetry, which has been translated into more than 30 languages and published in over 500 journals, magazines, and media outlets across 40 countries. Keiko is the founder and chief editor of the ACC Shanghai Huifeng Literature Association and serves as a Chinese representative and director of the International Cultural Foundation Ithaca.
Her affiliations extend to Immagine & Poesia in Italy and the Canadian-Cuban Literary Union, reflecting her commitment to fostering cross-cultural literary exchanges. Her poetic oeuvre spans six collections, including “Lonely in the Blood and Absurd Language”, showcasing her exploration of human emotions, environmental concerns, and existential themes. Her innovative style and evocative imagery have earned her numerous accolades, such as the 30th International Poetry Award in Italy and the World Peace Ambassador Certificate in 2024. Notably, she was the first Chinese recipient of the Cross-Cultural Exchange Medal for Significant Contribution to World Poetry, awarded in the United States in 2023.
Her works, including “Octopus Bones” and other acclaimed poems, have resonated with readers worldwide, garnering invitations to prominent international poetry festivals and conferences. Her dedication to the arts extends beyond poetry, encompassing prose, essays, lyrics, and drama, underscoring her versatility as a writer. Nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2020, Anna Keiko continues to break barriers, bringing Chinese literature to the global stage.
