She walks with sophistication
On these foreign streets,
The world at her fingertips.
She fell into good hands,
Kind arms,
Equipped for a life
Of destiny and choice.
She remembers
Watching her sit under the shade
Of the old Mugumo tree.
She remembers.
Amina
Who reclaimed her independence
And took back her life
By saying No!
To old beliefs, customs, and moral codes.
She knows
She could have been one
Of the silenced voices
With limited choices,
Doing what they thought was best,
For their child’s legitimate honour,
Caressing
Practices that framed their own lives;
Practices that promised ephemeral wealth;
Practices that whispered frail security.
She understands
Traditions that grant that fertile guarantee
To an older male,
Perceived protector, guardian,
Master and lord.
She understands,
She knows,
She remembers,
Her moral charge.
(Woven alongside S. Namwalie Dreams of a Real Man; N. Githongo
A Dedication to the Girls of Aitong Boarding School; M. Mohammedali A Song for Amina; M. Mwangola News to Note: Loud Enough to Hear Ourselves)
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