June Jordan (1982), author of Report from the Bahamas, “The ultimate connection must be the need that we find between us. It is not only who you are, in other words, but what we can do for each other that will determine the connection.”

I am a child of separation. My parents separated thirteen years ago when I had just joined first grade. I must admit that the discord has surpassed all heart aches I have encountered hitherto. My father was an alcoholic. He had actually turned out to be a Daily Drinking Officer in the local pubs in my village. He would come home in the wee hours of the night shouting insultive remarks about my mother. Time came when my mother could not keep up with his antics any longer so she decided to lock him out. I recall this particular day when dad came home in his norm. He knocked at the door and my mother did not open. He broke the hinges and the door flung open. My siblings and I were astounded. He bossed us to leave and go to our room.