OUR JEWELS, OUR FUTURE !

FASHION OF WEAPONRY!

FASHION OF WEAPONRY                     

Skimpily attired!

Of looks that invite...

 'Notice me' make up to go about 

Wanderers like marabouts

Offensive sense of dressing now, glamourised

Fashion of dangerous weaponry as nudified Shameless display of bodily wares

Of brief clothing- body hugs, body chokes all in tattered wears 

Proclaiming for sale, at sensual top and bottom 

Some 'petticoats' of  many colours

Seeking 'fun-seekers' and other sickening callers 

Haters of modesty 

Marauders of decency

Twerk-ing as they walk, their job enhancer

Dancing while they move, as

 their act enticer

Expectant of complimentary cheers, perhaps of their co-recents

Come repugnant jeers of the old and decents Fashion is it? 

Or madness be it?

Of uncouth traits

Of uncultured and 'untrained'

Yet, some were trained only uncompromising of 'home training'

Unrepentantly garbed in fashion of weaponry unending'

And suddenly came a sound

Its effects that somewhat, had no bound

'Faaa...'the fart came, of one amongst them! 

From that part of her lower arsenal 

In her 'filthy' rags revealing her annals! 

Uwakó run won. 

Eyìn òko run won (ljebu dialect)

Olurotimi Awoyemi, 30th August, 2018

A CEASELESS MOTHER.

A CEASELESS MOTHER

Mama popularly called Olobi, a renowned Kolanut crop merchant in her days, has come to Lagos visiting one of her six children and family from her country-home in Iperu Remo; of the "Akesan Baale Oja" fame, in Ogun State. 

Olobi without doubt, a matriarch at both sides of the family divide. While gradually matching towards her Ninth Decade (90ieth) Anniversary, her frail body tells deep stories of her unwavering life of sacrifice and dedication, essentially geared towards always advancing the good course of humanity- her children inclusive.

This visit was gratifying to the heart of mama’s son--the host, as a token of his modest show of affection and appreciation; to return a mother’s endless love, over her children. Hence the holiday was meant in every sense to be a restful and enjoyable one for Olobi, and nothing was going to prevent all efforts in making it so.

It was just the second week of Olobi’s visit. Then came a loud persistent and deafening yell that traveled far into the night from the neighbour’s quarters. Oh no, not again! 

But the noise was unmistakable. It can only be that of Dora's. No one else, is suspect at this time of the day. Time check 10:05pm. 

And truly, Dora  it was! 

It may well seem to some, that Dora’s nocturnal and disturbing activities were gradually becoming serial and habitual. Though, it is just the cry of a baby but loud enough to disturb and “put-off “ sleep for many. Especially within such a cosmopolitan (town) setting; many would be trying to catch a restful night, against another impending hectic work day.

Dora was just an 18-months old suckling daughter of our young-couple-neighbour, next door. And Dora may just have gone “off-line”, away from her usual gentle and amiable default mode, which people know her with. Unfortunately, at such time as this, with her noise, no one within the hearing distance would be spared the luxury of a serene atmosphere!

Such “angel” she was; with two incomparable dispositions! Gentle as a dove on one side, and fierce “at making trouble” like a lion on the other. Head or tail, it could be safely concluded that Dora was endowed at making big statements!

On a good day, Dora was a mother’s pride, as a matter of fact, any parent’s delight any day! Taking a cue from her parents' charming attributes; Dora full of zest- often beamed with her bright welcoming smile. 

Reason why many were often swayed to naturally give her, as the occasion permits, that warmly return smile; a 'blow-away' kiss; and in the case of a stranger, that socially distant but, irresistible wave of hand. 

Familiar faces and known friends, would usually stretch the game further adopting the “African-styled” cuddle. This, most times, may out-rightly extended to carrying Dora off her mother's (or other bearer's) back, just to satisfy their strong desire to carry the poor infant!

Little Dora was extremely amusing too when reciting her kindergarten rhymes replete with her numerous mumbled words,  only decipherable by the tunes of those popular rhymes. Showing some evidences of her impressive performance at her early in preparatory school.

Again talking of her relentless demonstration of most actions, she saw people do, reflected her smartness and budding intelligence. 

This should send caution signals to us all to always put-up decent and decorous behaviour at all times; since our children are keen observers who mimic everything we do hook, line and sinkers. 

Beyond her name, Dora is truly adorable.

But during this particular night, with those persistent and somewhat unrepentant loud yells, Dora’s mood-swing can be said to be far from being gentle. In fact, to many unfamiliar and uninitiated to acts of child-bearing/upbringing; this innocent infantile protest, may seem totally irritable.

Alas! All of a sudden then, the cry from Dora suddenly ceased, and everywhere became calm! 

But, some murmurings sounds were now beginning to filter in even from same direction. Some people were now discussing late, in the night, and Olobi’s voice came up surprisingly amongst the discussants!

How could this be, at this time of the day, in a stranger’s, nay neigbour’s flat?! 

A quick dash to Olobi’s now empty room, reveals that the back door was left ajar. It confirmed that Olobi has sneaked out to attend to Dora? Hmmm...Abiyamo!"

"...Abiyamø, ti kii gbø ękun ømø ę, koma tatiwere!" 'The personage of esteemed motherhood in Yoruba language, who would rarely refrain, to attend to the cry of her young one!

Now at the neighbour’s flat, Dora was seen fastened to Olobi’s back, while she was giving unsolicited, and an 'unpaid-for', but passionate lecture in mothering! 

Unknown to her son and family, Olobi has behind them for some now, been warming herself gradually into the neigbour’s heart in the past 2 weeks, as their daily visitor- a consummate and willing, ad-hoc Nanny with no-bother-for-pay! 

And Dora, my neighbor's child had not only gotten used to her, but had gotten so well acquainted to Olobi. 

Now aware of our presence, Dora’s parents could hardly hold back their embarrassment and joy, at the same time, with the situation they found themselves. 

Alas, madam Lecturer, started giving her midnight lecture in mothering!

Olobi began: “My children teach your children in the way of the Lord and show them love without limit. Never joke with matters of their health nor yours and ensure all their vaccinations are duly administered. 

Fore-closing all health reasons, there may still be, some reasons for a child’s persistent cry for which you should always note, accordingly. Causes may range from: inadequate or lack of sleep, food and water; discomforts emanating from weather, causing stress of- heat, cold, breeze, smoke, dust; and the discomfort of nature’s call (–i.e pooh, urination). 

And very many times, some inexplicable children’s fondly desire for their mother’s unalloyed attention/care may sometimes be a major causal factor. 

At such times my children, strap your child to your back!'

Olobi continues:  “Look at my flabby chest. It hosts what I call baby friendly! It is God’s mysterious twin prodding fountains of love that binds mother and child together! Give breast milk, extensively, exclusively, and in some particular health cases, following specialist advice. It was 3years during our own days. Giving it to your children will NOT demean the health and beauty of a mother /woman rather; it will enhance it and that of the child”. Olobi concludes.

"Even a professor of health management could hardly have said it better"  Olobi's son whispered to his wife! 

Everybody was proud of Olobi, particularly her son and family.

An accomplished night with an accomplished mother!!!

It was now time to go to bed. At this point, the writer in his reflection, remembers his mother Madam Agbekeola M. Awoyemi (aka Olobi) a true 'Abiyamo' at 87 years, whose life pattern and unequal love for children was the basis of the above narrative that was blended, with some true life instances. How can I ever repay my mother’s milk, love and care?!

And I dare say HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY AND WEEK to Olobi my mother and by extension all mothers, for all their days of toiling, caring, sacrificing and prayers for their children which of course truly reflect, and are meant to be, the real MOTHER’S DAYS!

I pray that the joy of all mothers will be full to the brim. (Amen)

Timi Awoyemi, Iyesi Ota   

2nd May 2017.

timiawoyemi.blogspot.com

teamawoyemi@gmail.com