The Other Classroom

By Sharon Olukoya, Gusau, Nigeria

I thought all wisdom lived in chalk and board,
In x and y, in essays scored.
But life showed me a different page,
A lesson not written with a teacher’s gauge.

When NEPA takes light in the middle of night,
I learn patience, holding tight.
When mama hustles with sweat on her brow,
I see resilience: stronger than maths somehow.

A quarrel with friends at the football ground,
Teaches respect where no bell sounds.
Not every victory is scored with a goal,
Sometimes it’s peace that makes you whole.

The market woman counts without a pen,
Her wisdom shines brighter than “factor of ten.”
She tells me: “Child, book is good, no doubt,
But real life is where sense comes out.”

So I gather my lessons, bit by bit,
From street corners where neighbours sit.
The classroom is one; yes, that is true,
But life itself is a school too.