Ayah, a novel by David MailluPoor Mama Kenya
I pity you
You’re always sick
Suffering from headaches
Running stomach
Given to chronic worries
Red eyes
Bruises in the face
Tears for breakfast
Tears for dinner
Oh, Mama Kenya
Now you stand at cliff
Of heart attack

These aren’t the old days
Your husband loved you
Religiously
When you ate together
As a family
Discussing harmony
Because you were beautiful
Mother of his children
Before he became wild

These are your times
Of chronic regrets

Your wild husband
Has no time for children
He doesn’t listen
No more socializing
His religion is lying
And brutality

When drunk he says you smell
Like a skunk

What a mad husband!

He coughs
And spits on your face
Demanding obedience

Chronical brutality
Rules your home

Your eyes are red always
Out of beatings
Brutality is the payment
From drunken husband

He storms home
Like angry rhinoceros
Breaking pots
Farting and pissing
Tearing your clothes
Mounting you
Pouring poison into you

A monster
For a husband.

Written by David G Maillu