Poetry: The African Woman
Every second Sunday of May Americans observe mother’s day, a day distinguished to specially appreciate and celebrate mothers. I particularly recalled a poem I wrote sometime ago about the African woman – an object that probably exists wholly only in ideology as a relic of our African cultural heritage, today.
Don’t mind the sentimental sound of it, but I still believe that this Legendary object of motherhood certainly has in it lessons that women in westernized modern day could learn from.
THE AFRICAN WOMAN
Bearing logs from the woods or water pots on the head;
Bearing fingers in the fire or smoke in the eyes;
Working out endless laundry and cooking for her household;
Bearing all the children in her womb;
She takes pride in her every occupation
And holds no grudge against her creator
What is this great African riddle of strength?
But the priceless mothers of our land once upon a time.
Whether by work in the farms or some petty kind of trade
She feeds her home with her fingers
- Without despising its -not uncommonly- incapable head
She carries family in mind rocking them gently with prayers
- For as long as her heart beats.
She teaches her sons and trains her daughters
She pours her maiden strength into them till she’s empty
They are her Pride; she has no other accomplishments.
She is the pillar on which a house stands
And the roof under which they have shade
She builds her house on the inside -
Shaming women who haven’t such a heart.
She makes a prince of her man
– Whether he be chief or common, a thief or a drunk -
She reveres him like some god
And serves him like a slave
Yet she clothes him like a garment
And takes care of him like a mother
She bears his children like as she looks for gems to crown her beauty
Yes indeed! God has smiled on her man
Oh! Come from the great western world
Come from all around the globe
To a great spotlight in Africa-
Not a geographical spectacle or other tourist interest
But nonetheless to an evergreen of lively fruit
And a great gift we have from God:
Real women who don’t compete with men
Or bear their children in test tubes
- In the name of maintaining their beauty;
Her children and husband will always come to find her at home.
© 2005,Tee Akindele
