MAMA'S PLIGHT

 

MAMA's PLIGHT

Clasping my wrapper tightly with my feet on stones laying idly on the sandy ground; I watched with delight and great awe as they swirl - unfretted nor scared of being chided with the glistening starlight illuminating its glory on their foreheads. With my palms smeared with the black coal, I levelled the one - handed pot on the floor. My skin was prickled by the chilly air as the wind blew waveringly. I watched, pouting my lips as if to call one of the kids. 

              "Even the moon is pleased to see them play. " I mumbled, trying not to sound too foolish. I quivered while Mama sat wearingly on the wooden stool which Brother Peter made last weekend. Like an insolvent debtor, mama nodded in affirmation while I stood still - wrapping my arms round my frame like the burning fire won't keep me warm enough. The hot embers stared, producing heat for the fire was almost doused and there was nothing to place on it. The savoury porridge we were to relish tonight was prepared already. 

              "Ngozi, call in Samuel and the others. They'll be hungry by now. " I heard mama speak like one whispering and stealthily stepping in to a place, forbidden. I was being careful of my words and actions for I knew how infuriated she was at the moment. Earlier, she found out about Papa's infidelity with Sisi Nene being the devil's sent. The ambiance was cold, unusual and mama's cackling voice and bustling laughter was missed. The mirthful glee was gone but for the kids who appear less - concerned as they swirl, rendering ode to the glinting moon with their little frame and outstretched arms. 

           "I'll take in the porridge, then." I offered delightfully in a bid to please mama for I knew her plight. Clenching and raising the pot carefully, I plod and tilted up my chin with the moon still offering its light to the pathway. I walked on, now distracted by my wrapper which was slipping already. In a split second, I stumbled and rolled over. My elbow ached , I fretfully flinched with my chest on the ground and my cheek now smeared with smoggy mud. The pot had slipped from my hands with the sweet porridge already spilled, affiliating itself with the mud. I quailed, my wrapper now revealing half of my budding bosom as I heard mama's blaring cry. 

            "They all will kill me! I can't have peace in my home! Look at what this child did! " she yelled, removing her rubber slippers with seething rage as I rose, leaping and dodging it. I was doomed! If the night didn't go wrong after what happened during the day, it will have been better! I sobbed quietly, realising mama would transfer the aggression on me. Tonight, I'll be Sisi Nene and mama would knock me down with the yard becoming our boxing ring. And it was this night, I dreamt Mama pursued me with a glinting knife !

@Opemiplenty

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