The hanged man of benin city, tired of the pain in his gums from chewing on the insides of his mouth.

He stands in his doorway, ignoring greetings from neighbors and shuffling his feet every second.

His children are like mosquitoes, sucking the blood and energy from his already weak body.

His dark fingers have seen days of working without pay, his nails are broken from hammering into walls of customers that will pay later.

His eyes are open but his vision is blurry, his ears are ringing.

The hanged man of benin city fears that he might have to let go. He might have to let go of all the sacrifices he has been making for his children.
The promises he's made to his poorer siblings in the village. The pressing responsibilities.
The love he can no longer show his wife.

The hanged man of benin city has left his family behind. His body hangs under the pear tree, the rope so tight bit into the skin of his neck.

Strange though, the hanged man of benin city has a little smile on his face.