The regular rhythms of pestle
cease to echo in our neighbourhood
Imported tins replace
the salivating aroma of homemade soup
There is a reduced rate of newborns
and the old ones satisfy themselves
with the warmth the old nannies offer
So many changes have taken place
in this little county we call home
Mothers have long been called
to fight for a seat among our fathers
Here is the cry from Africa...
Our women have left home for politics
They are now seen in old political boots
roaming and parading the streets
showing off their woman ego and political ambition
Let politics feel the woman
Let the world take a new turn
for the woman is about to rule the world
in her motherly nature and gift
Hurray to womanhood!
But. . .Voices rise. . .
Arguing voices rise in every home
Hear the children and fathers cry
Our women have left home for politics
You can't trade your motherly duty
for some bag of political rubbish!
Who will take care of the woman's role
in their individually appointed home?
Do not fear when you begin to see
men with babies tied behind their back
and baskets laid unceremoniously on their head
walking around the market place
purchasing food stuffs with rehearsed effort
Bio: Jennifer Ehidiamen is eighteen and from the southwest part of Nigeria. She loves swimming, reading, poetry, the color pink (which stands for perfection), meeting people who are poetical and interesting, and appreciating God's perfect creations through poetry. Her dream is to become a recognized international poet who can lead other young people into keeping their dream alive. Jennifer can be reached at ladyjennies@yahoo.com.
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