Are You Afraid?

Are You Afraid?

By Godfrey Shirima

Not so long ago I was introduced to my namesake through a book club. Clearly we noticed that the universe has brought us together in this platform to share knowledge and challenge our reading culture. After attempting to present who Godfrey is for the 2nd time targeting the newest members of the club; my namesake commented on my introduction txt something along the lines ‘fellow Godfrey’. And that was the beginning of an interesting conversation between two Godfreys.

He seems an inquisitive character for a starter, asked me about my artistry since I had mentioned it in my introduction. What kind of art are you doing? - he asked, go check on @mkali_1_artworks - I replied. Just like an old man who does not give an answer on the first go. Not so sure if he did that simply because I don’t recall receiving any kind of feedback. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn’t, you know!, generation Y things ‘may be lazy’. Let us forget about that because what follows is the reason I am writing this article.

He seems to know what he can offer to the world but!!! I am writing poems but i stay with them, haven’t exposed them - the young* Godfrey proceeded to say. You guessed right if you knew what generation X would ask ‘WHY’. Why haven't you exposed your work for the world to see?, immediately followed by a series of I used to do this and that, typical me. His response was like a large red font sign on a white board saying ‘I am lying’. So, my next response was, ‘Are you afraid wajina?’, I kind of new before he replied to that, plain and simple ‘Hapana labda sina motivation kaka (Nope! Maybe I lack motivation, brother)’.

Allow me to tell you that Atomic Habits by James Clear is so far ranking way at the top next to The Greatest Salesman in the World by OG Mandino. One of the best transformational reads I have ever laid my eyes on to say the least. If you are interested follow this link to read my chapter review on chapter 6 of Atomic Habits: Motivation Is Overrated; Environment Often Matters More..

Where was I?!! Ooh! My response was simple and I think it reflects some of my core values… Stay with me here and you will have a clue to what I am trying to convey here. ‘If you have time, please call me’, that was my immediate response. Talking about living my high school motto of ‘Men and Women for Others’ which I learnt exactly 20 years ago. I felt the need to reach out to this Godfrey as I was seeing my young self in me. Being blessed with many talents and not having guts to show the world what you are capable of doing, I knew for a fact it wasn’t about lack of motivation.

The conversation was about 45 minutes long with someone I barely knew less than 48 hours ago. It was a series of questions, lots of explaining from me as usual followed by multiple examples to make sure i get the point across to generation Y.

Why are we afraid to show the world what we are made of? I am by far neither an expert at this matter nor claiming to be one. By trying to help my younger self embodied in this newest Godfrey I just met, I was deducing, logically and emotionally why he doesn’t want to share his poems to the world.

I think first and foremost is about our Image; the image that we cultivated since our childhood, the image that we present to our parents, friends, cousins, teachers, priests, rabbi etc etc. This image really puts us in a box, the first impression I made to my school teacher I might maintain it as long as I keep on interacting with that teacher. And, I believe most of us don't start the conversation with a stranger by saying i am an artist, poet or footballer unless you met in such a setup or context.

I figured my fellow Godfrey has an image to maintain, therefore, I asked him how many people know that he is a poet or at least writing poems. Not to my surprise the answer was very few of my friends knew that. Again, its an image that is being protected here. If by any means you still doubting my little sense of intelligence, please, please, bear with me.

Have you wondered why most artists use nicknames, stage names, pseudonyms? If you haven’t then don’t worry, it makes two of us, or noo! better to say you and me before picking young Godfrey’s call. That question came during our conversation, all of a sudden it is right here on my relatively big forehead while I was presenting my case to Godfrey number 2 as to why he is afraid.

To be continued…...

*the young: Judging from the timelines of university 1st degree completion compared to my 8 years of work work experience past my bachelor degree. He must be the youngest between us.