By Kai Mansa-Musa
FREETOWN – In a shocking display of indifference to the world’s madness, a brown and gray-haired dog was spotted on the 19th of August 2024, doing what many of us only dream of: taking a peaceful nap right in the middle of a bustling junction. As the chaotic symphony of honking horns, revving engines, and frustrated sighs filled the air at the intersection of Kingharman Road and Bath Street, this canine decided it was the perfect spot to catch some Zs.
The dog, whose name might as well be “Zen Master,” seemed entirely unbothered by the cacophony of Monday morning traffic. It wasn’t merely resting—this dog was crouched down, head on the tarmac, soaking up the warmth like it was lying on a plush, heated bed. Occasionally, it would lift its head, not to acknowledge the irritated drivers and confused pedestrians, but simply to adjust its position, perhaps finding an even cozier spot on the well-worn road.
Private vehicle owners, commercial minibus passengers, pedestrians, and motorbike riders alike were left in awe of the dog’s sheer confidence. Some drivers even slowed down, perhaps questioning if they had missed a new traffic rule or, more likely, just captivated by the sight of an animal that had clearly mastered the art of not caring.
As the rain-soaked morning gave way to the rising heat, the dog seemed to revel in the warmth of the tarmac, enjoying the kind of deep, untroubled sleep that most Freetonians can only fantasize about. Every now and then, it would raise its head, surveying the chaos it had caused, before deciding that the problems of the world were far too insignificant to interrupt its nap. In a gesture that seemed to channel the collective exhaustion of the city’s residents, the dog appeared to be saying, “Salone problem nor go kill me, mek a enjoy me sleep,” which loosely translates to, “This country’s problems won’t kill me, so I might as well enjoy my sleep.”
The scene served as a poignant reminder to the people of Freetown: when life gets overwhelming, sometimes the best thing to do is just lie down and take a nap—preferably in the middle of a busy intersection, if you’re bold enough. After all, if a dog can manage to find peace amidst the madness, maybe the rest of us can too.
As the dog eventually stood up, yawned, and lazily walked away from the junction, it left behind more than just a temporary traffic disruption. It left a lesson in resilience and a newfound respect for the power of a well-timed nap.