Yesterday,
We were both lovers
Enthralled in Cupid’s game
Ensnared in his trap
We wrapped our bodies around each other
We promised each other heaven on earth-
A forever,
Something everlasting
But the gods had their ways with us
And now Obim
You are gone to meet with Chi
We cannot have together forever anymore.
I regret I didn’t write you a poem
Before you left.
The gods sure have a terrible way
Of showing their regard
For our love.
But Obim
I promise you
That I’d treasure the memories
You made with me
Those we made together,
Of dancing under moonlit skies
During moonlight festivals,
Of watching the Mmuo
Even though females were not supposed to be out
How you gave me your clothes to disguise
And held my hands past all the masquerades
As they paraded.
Of our spot,
The dull garden
Behind the Ube tree
That belonged to Mazi Ibe
And how you always joked about the rhyme
His name made with the fruit
Ube Mazi Ibe
I laugh now.
Obim
I would have followed you
To meet with the gods
And queried their inconsideration
But I am with child
Yes! Your seed has sprouted a baby
I was to tell you yesterday
But sought to do it in a romantic way
Thinking we had all the years ahead.
The gods have had their way
But with this child,
We yet still have our way.
Watch over us Obim
I love you forever.
©Opara Chizaram Adaobi
The highlighted words are Igbo words and their meanings are:
Obim– My love, My heart
Mmuo– Masquerade( believed to be spirit beings)
Ube– (small pear)
Mazi Ibe– Mr Ibe( Ibe is an Igbo name)
Opara Chizaram is a fourth year law student at the University of Ibadan. She is a young lady with burning passion to create a lasting and positive impact in this world of ours. Writing for her, isn’t only a hobby but a medium to reach the world.
Her blog “musingsbyzaram” is a platform to share her musings with the world. She is a story teller and poet. Her short stories and poems have been published on several online and offline platforms. You can read some of her musings on her blogsite: musingsbyzaram.wordpress.com
