Mgbeke - The Bad Daughter Poem by Euphemia Nkechi

Mgbeke! Mgbeke! !

i spit out your name in despair

how many times did i admonish thee

to take to heart,

the home syllabus and kitchen scheme of work

yet

you avoid the kitchen hearth

and chose your path in the sand

In the morning, the birds chirps

in the night, the crickets chirps

i work alone

drenched in my sweat all day in lone.

as i work my hands in the meal of the day:

back bent, piston pounding, cassava boiling –,

soup aroma ascending

with you not in sight, my back ache

claps of songs from you and your friends i hear

i scream out

Mgbeke! Mgbeke! !

you answer from the woods beyond

” mama”

reluctantly, you drag your feet home

you sigh breathlessly, arms akimbo,

rustle from the tapping of your feet

wound my ears

‘get me ugu leaves from the garden’

i mutter

Ah! mama food is ready! you exclaim

mute i was, furious and heartbroken

pained that you lust for irrelevant lifestyle

Alas! my being

mutism is yours

until

A bride she will be

and a home maker she will become

Have i found peace?

No!

Mgbeke! Mgbeke! !

is this myalgia or subluxation i feel in my body?

tears in your eyes, bags in your hand

You beseech i take you back

Nay! you also brought disgrace and shame home?

where is your groom of five days?

Ruthful, you are now