Living Beyond Mamma's Shadow

Just the other day one of my old good friends called to let me know that she wil tie the knot in two weeks time. Her mother was visiting her In London to attend the ceremony. I Know the family very well, infact while in high school when I did not have any one to visit me because my mother had died and My father was bed ridden, it was my friend's Mother who gave me the love of a mother. When I hearn the news of the upcoming wedding. I was extremely happy for my friend like one would be for her own sister. But I was also filled with envy because my mamma was not there to celebrate the achievements of my life like her mother was. I was honest with my friend and i said " ... I am happy for you but an jealous too"

Like a pat on my shoulder her voice on the other side of the telephone assured me that she understands when she said "It is well."

Today as I sit on here am reflecting on these words that I shared with my dear friend. I also remember clearly that day in 1991 when I stood before the whole family and community and spoke my heart out as I cried

"Ma! Ma! Ooh Mamma,
Do not leave me Ma! desperate lonely and Confused,
Don't let death take you
fight for your rights Ma! Oh dear, Come back
I am left with memories of the past and responsibilities of the future.

Alas! Alas!
all that starts well ends well
pure blasphemy,lies, nonsense
for it all begun well with Pa and Ma
Sailing in the same ship,
With a gorgeous wedding,
Flowers, presents, songs
and most of al a wedding ring,
Those were the happy moments,
the second celebration after birth
Gone is the day and coming back It won't

What does a man want?
What win's a man?
I will be glad to know
I will seach for an answer,
down the valleys , Up the mountains across the bridges
until lastly I get.

Dad Never came home later
Never, unless with a reason
then Bang, It begun
Coming home late, druck , annoyed,
Hot tempered, Hot tempwers everywhere.

"Dear Paul could say Ma
Please the children what will they say
We need to be a good example for them to....."
but before she could finish Pa was on her

"Woman! Woman!
mind your own business
What have I to do with girls, wives, women
shut your beak or else the gate is open
But Paul..
...Did you hear me? Out!!!"

Like a donkey the beast of burden
her pleas went with the wind
It was slaps , kicks and all those
leaving Ma dejected and lonely wit no one to turn to
Only her children who cried and mourned with her

Then came the second wife
The Star of Africa
Her lips clotted with blood, with fried hair
and painted nails moreover with a tube like skirt,
who could whisper in dad's ear in a white man's language
And they laughed sending treaks of fear i Ma's spine

Not a month Later later
The who left Pa in Hospital, in bed
with Ma trying fruitlessly to save the situation

AIDS! AIDS! you are not meant for us
Go Go to where you came from
no one invited you and none needs you in our midst
Go!!!!

And here is Ma again
leaving me with the children
to feed clothe and Comfort
Lord, God, why should i suffer so
Why should I go through all these
take this cup of suffering away

Lord how should i appease you
Which sacrifice do you need
only to return Pa and Ma
and promise to murder AIDS

where there is Alpha,
Omega is present

Ma, may God rest your soul in peace
Bye

(This text was presented to the funeral of Mrs Dommie N W in 1991 written and presented by her daughter Lin W copyright)

Today many years after this memorable day, the events are so vivid in my mind. I cannot lie but say how much I miss my Mother, I keep think what life would be like with her around.

Iam learning again to live beyond mamma's shadow, the woman who impacted my life with unconditional love, the love of my life, the best mother in the world.
I will forever Thank God for giving me to you.
You are fondly missed!!!