Nyeri - Beatrice Lamwaka

I almost became that man’s second wife

I twisted my underwear here and there

I hynoptised myself that he was the one

I always thought of him.

Whenever he sent me a text message

“I suit you like the cover of a jerican”

I would swing my hips to his tune

He was my man.

I waited for him at the roadside

my heart excited every time

and my mind would let me down

I would only think of my beloved.

At night, I thought about this man and his wife

whatever they would be doing

I winced every time I thought he also called her, latona

I turned here and there with no sleep

I looked for traces of him in my bed

Only emptiness welcomed me.

I waited for my intelligence to return

My mother did not teach me to be second

I am a good person

What is happening to me?

This man has sent me another text 

“my world revolves on your heart”

Today, I will hold my heart in my palm

Squeeze it to give it some sense.

I will not do what it wants

I will do what my mind wants.

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Beatrice Lamwaka (20th century) Uganda

Source: Afro Women Poetry