Acknowledgment (Libation)

Mmadu bu chi ebe ya - we are each other’s light (gods). To Mrs. Jo Normanshire, the first adult to pay serious attention to my work and my love for this craft - I see you. Our meeting many years ago at Ashville College was not by chance. Thank you for your benevolence. I wasn’t even an art student, but you still encouraged me. You are blessed forever.

Ise!

Medevor Obor, my brother and oldest champion. I will thank you for always believing - but I will acknowledge you for something else. You know, a writer is only as good as his spirit has been trained. Where the pastors and holy books failed me, your introduction to philosophy saved my soul. For all those years in London we spent poring through history, religion, psychology, art and the likes, I see you. You will live forever.

Ise!

Emily Simmance, I’m not sure how many more of these terrible first drafts you will have to read in one lifetime, considering that I am eyeing a 6-book series with this. I am really grateful, and I want you to know that our friendship is truly a gift to me. They will never write the story of my writing without you in it. I see you. You will find all that you seek.

Ise!

Nwa Amadi of the Odinaala Institute and Derik Ofodirinwa of TheMedicineShell (YouTube) - we have never met (though one day I hope that we do), but know it that without your works, my work would have been impossible to complete. In the solitude of the pandemic, you were the d’bia I consulted with for enlightenment. For your elucidation of odinani (the way of our ancestors), I see you. May many more find truth in your works.

Ise!

Chinua Achebe and the ancestors, ndi nmbu na ndi egede. We are but rungs in a ladder reaching for a single sky. I am grateful for your shoulders and that I may stand on them. I see you. Your work will be completed.

Ise!

For Onyeka, Onyi’m