"Nwoke ni-ife (man and things of life)!" Mazi Uchendu, popularly known as Awun-awun, would always say and then chuckle whenever Onye-ike complained of his sudden sleepless nights. "That is what every man faces when his household is expecting a new member of his family in this world." Awun-awun replied earlier in front of his hut when Onye-ike came visiting.
"I remember when Mama Obinna gave birth to Adaeze, my first child." Awan-awun continued as he furrowed his eyes up to the dark sky like he was trying to see what to say up there. "I stayed awake for several weeks expecting the arrival of my child, but she didn't come forth. She over stayed her welcome in her mother's womb to the extend that she brought sleepless night to whole of our kindred. Then you were still a very little boy carried around on your mother's back. I toured in the company of your father and papa Chikwelu to no avail in search of a Dibia with a solution until the gods decided to save us the stress. It was when we got to the great Okosisi Dibia of Okosisi village that he told us that the gods has visited my household. I ran and ran in excitement from Okosisi village forgetting that I was with company. When I got home, the women were already singing praises to the gods. I was so happy that I spent a few nights more watching my ada sleep." Awun-awun took light breath in and out, and then continued.
"So you see nwanne m, it is normal. Nwoke n'ife!" He said snickering. "Go now, your wife needs your presence now than ever before. We shall have plenty of time again after your child comes forth."
"Imela Mazi (thank you elder)." Onye-ike said as he stood up to leave. He threw the last piece of kola nut into his mouth. "Kachifo (till the break of tomorrow), my regards to your family."
"K'obo." Awa-awu replied. "Say me well to your child bearer."
"My mouth is not dumb and her ears are not deaf." Onye-ike said as he left for his hut.
Awu-awu smiled as he flapped the wrapper tied around his waist to chase away pesting mosquitoes. "Nwoke ni-ife." He muttered again as he found comfort in his long backed wooden chair...
Watch out for Episode Three on Monday... Make sure you miss nothing!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment