Iyé (Mother) Poem by Uche Nwanze

The room of her belly, I was housed, nine anxious months I waited. Her tender breast I suckled.
The softness of her thighs held me close.
In her fragile strong hands, held my delicate body.
Nights cold as winter, her bosom gave me warmth.
Held me to the fire as I fought in convulsions of scary fever.
Vigils and endless nights, she lay awake until I closed those tiny eyes.
On her soft back strapped, subtly rock my crying eyes to sleep.
My hunger she fought like a Lioness, my riotous stomach battled to fill.
Her abada imprisoned in her iron box gladly she barter so I won't be sent out of school.
Her trembling rheumatic knees she prayed, her prodigal son may return to the light.
Legion of demons she fought, so I can stand on my feet.
Endless heartaches, she bore.
Countless pains, she suffered, a better man her dream for me.
Insults you took with a smile.
Tortuous paths you took, so I could stand tall.
Thorns and blisters in your hands, a price for my happiness.
Irreplaceable pearl, if I could trade places.
Unforgettable, no one will ever take your place.

You could have tarried a little, thank you never enough.
If you had stayed, 'I am sorry ' these words will never make up for the pains I put you through.
Left too soon, a gladiator in the arena. Bid us farewell, abrupt before our eyes.
Raindrops well in torrents, eyes red now you sleep.
Forever in your debt, a thousand times i choose you to be my mother.
Though now in forever land, your sacrifice was never in vain.
Though you no longer walk the abode of mortals, your endless toils, was not for nothing.
Though you be gone from this accursed islands, you live in our hearts.

© *UCHE NWANZE*
10: 05: 2020
11: 35PM