I don't exactly have the words to say, but of late, I have been contemplating the matter that's termed love—the complexity and intensity of it all. The truth and reality of it?

It is scary.

That love would require me to stand naked, with vulnerability heavy on my head like a 100-step gele. Love would require me to accept myself as I am—my body, mind, strength, weakness, shame, glory—all laid bare on the table as the ingredients for the full meal that love is. It's not an intense game of chess that demands I rely on my strength alone, guarding my shame, fears, and guilt like my Queen. God forbid there's a checkmate, and the reality of who I am is exposed.

But love is not a game. So, as a young woman who is blossoming and beginning to learn about love, I must commend the grace of mothers who have stood the test of love and allowed their naked truth to teach us that love is a reality. You have learnt to love, chosen to love.

Though bittersweet, we see through your eyes that love is not weakness, love is not a flaw. Love is the strength that keeps us going.

So, this is for you. On the days when you are so tired, frustrated, and angry, when it seems like home is hard, and love a bondage. On the days when the love you give comes back to slap you as weakness, remember that you're the hope of this 21-year-old young woman—that Love is nakedness. I can come naked yet unashamed.

Love is freedom, and I choose to reign free.