An ode to the power of female friendship by poet Ayomide Abolaji.

They see me

Their smiles tell me that I am loved 

Their palms are soft landing for my tears

Their eyes remind me of 

Our shared strength and vulnerability

There is no hesitation on their lips 

When I need to be called out 

When I say “go awf sis” 

Their voices ring in my head

Their hands are never far from mine

To give a reassuring squeeze

With them around I’ll never lack

When they’re beside me I remember 

That even though I can pick myself up

I do not have to

A lifetime of support to call a stage

A foundation that erases fear and anxiety

“To the ends of the earth” is an inaccurate description of 

How far I would go for them

Together we have overdosed 

On uncontrollable laughter

I’m never without a partner on the dance floor

When I move, they move

Just like that

When they move, we move

Just like that 

Different hearts same beat

They have seen the best of me

They pray for my success 

They have seen the worst of me

They love me regardless and because of

Who knew this would be the love affair to save me

To make life worth living

Again and again.

My cheerleaders, my riders, my angels, 

my mentors, my grounders, my partners in crime

My soulmates. 

The mutual respect runs deep 

The trust is guttural 

Forged in fire 

Dipped in dazzling titanium

My sisters, 

The ones who see me

In spirit. In body. In truth.

Knowing and loving you is an honour.