Zenith

“I hate you.” If this is hate, baby, I think, licking across his teeth, I don’t know if I’d survive your love.”
― Jessie Walker, Where There's a Will

“You might think love is unconditional because you’ve been loved unconditionally. But from everything I’ve seen, for a woman to be loved, she has to serve a purpose. She has to look good on your arm, but not too good or she’s a slut. She has to be sensual but puritan, needs to work or she’s a gold digger, but not more than her man or she’s a harpy. She can’t gain weight, or she’ll have let herself go, and if she has your children, she has to prioritize them over herself at every turn or she’s a bad mother. She has to be strong, the backbone of the family, an extension of a man instead of his partner. If she defies any of these terms, most people won’t blame a man for telling the world that his love for her has dried up.”
― Shirlene Obuobi, Between Friends & Lovers

“Strong isn’t a personality trait. It’s a sign that you’re neglected and not protected. It’s just as much evidence of your trauma as it is of your triumph. So this year, I say, enough with strength. I’m entering my damsel era.”
― Shirlene Obuobi, Between Friends & Lovers

“Change must come, sister. That is the way of the world. And sometimes, tears must be shed for the change to occur. Indeed, sometimes, life must be lost for new life to begin.”
― Na'ima B. Robert, Far from Home