Inspired by what I see, anguished by what I have heard.
The pain I have felt a thought I never imagined sharing.
Dignity I have lost.
That pride I will never regain.
My sixth sense says, “Vuka mama”
I am awake but where do I go?
Born into the world, mimicking my first tears on this earth as an infant.
Little did I know that those tears would be engraved for eternity.
Should I be drowning in sorrow?
Should I be living this life I am living?
My sixth sense says, “Vuka mama”
I am awake but where do I go?
I thought I had found the right path,
The pathway to the happiness I was longing for.
Out of an abusive past, I found myself in a new home.
A home I could call home
A home christened with love and happiness
Phew…
A sigh of relief as I unconsciously wondered.
My sixth sense says, “Vuka mama”
I am awake, but where do I go?
Here I was once again.
Living in fear, fear of the new life I never chose to live
Bang bang…
That pondering noise shook the dry grass ceiling of my thatched hut.
I unhooked the first wooden hook,
The second wench and third chain,
That landed me on the ground.
My sixth sense says, “Vuka mama”
I am awake, but where do I go?
Oyee…
My husband made his presence known to my company of pots and pans.
His breath paralyzed by the strong smell of our local brew.
I was still recovering from the bruises and aches from the previous night
Helping myself up, I saw the anguish in his eyes
Could this be the day I rest in peace at long last?
My sixth sense says, “Vuka mama”
I am awake, but where do I go?
I laid there unconscious as a result of his nightly rituals
Caught in between my life and a better afterlife
I remained floating as I heard women signing.
Vuka mama, vuka mama, awake woman
Vuka mama, vuka mama, awake woman.
The sixth sense I choose to ignore had finally given up on me.
“Vuka mama” they sang.
I am now awake in spirit, but it is too late now,
as I stand over my lifeless body.
“Vuka mama, asambeni ekaya” they sang.
Written: 03/06/2011