Njeri Hunjeri | + Follow Poet |
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My Grandmother's Diary

Cucu, maitu 

Now that am older
I seek more answers 
In the same manner I did 
Those days gone, of fetching firewood to cook a cherished meal
I seek more answers 
Not in the manner I did
Fetching sticks in the forest to be used by teachers for spanking and whipping 
Oh how I dreaded those days, those chilling days of punishments for poor grades, tardiness and noise making
And there my hate for math began....fearing it even to this day
that math teacher that came drunk to class and we mostly got beatings for nothing

I seek answers to understand our family dynamics 
Interesting, odd, sad, puzzling, beautiful, worrying, entertaining,  
Is some of the descriptions 
The reason we are the way we are
The beings we become in unexpected fate

Cucu, maitu 

I've heard your many stories of "emergency" during the colonial rule
I've seen your youthful strength that grows more beautiful with aging days
You always say "it's the Lord"
I remember how when we were little you always got us to wash our feet before getting on your bed
How you then proceeded to pray for your ten children, your many grand children and your ever increasing great grandchildren 
Telling God each of their names
My sisters and I always thought you said some of the longest prayers
But now that am older I know why
The number of family members I have to pray for increases with new age
Like the last video i took of you singing and dancing with some of your great grandchildren, 
The melody of my life becomes more fruitful with each new beat


Cucu, maitu (kikuyu words for grandmother)

Copyright © Njeri Hunjeri | Year Posted 2015

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Pandita Sietesantos Date: 7/26/2015 5:13:00 PM This piece brings back such lovely nostalgic memories of my own relationship with both my grandmothers who also came from a colonial era and I had similar experiences! Love it! Warmest regards. Pandita Login to Reply Njeri Hunjeri Date: 9/15/2015 11:23:00 AM Am glad it brought u lovely memories. Thank u Pandita

Norman Crocker Date: 7/23/2015 4:07:00 PM A gift of love for your grandmother. Login to Reply Njeri Hunjeri Date: 9/15/2015 11:21:00 AM Yes. Thank you Norman

Kp Nunez Date: 7/23/2015 10:43:00 AM A beautiful poem on matters that record how family values are made intact and passed from one generation to another. I see the depth of your thoughts, Njeri. These things normally gets unnoticed by many, but the sensitive poet in you has eyes for these. Great job! 7 and fav! hugs! Login to Reply Njeri Hunjeri Date: 7/23/2015 10:45:00 AM Thank you Kim. I always appreciate your visit. Good day my friend

Lindsay Laurie Date: 7/22/2015 10:46:00 PM G'day njeri... a nice reflection from a different time that some would say; a better time. Not so sure with you mentioning that school teacher. Thank you for sharing njeri - Lindsay Login to Reply Njeri Hunjeri Date: 7/23/2015 10:43:00 AM Yea the math teacher wasnt a better time. But its life. Thank u Lindsay. I always appreciate the visit.

Viv Wigley Date: 7/22/2015 9:28:00 PM This is a lovely piece of recollection, njeri, and a portrait of the hard times our Grandparents had. I can relate to the ever growing list of names to pray for, as time marches on I wonder wether I'll ever get off my knees. Lovely write, and a fave #7. Viv x .ps- I see that right now you're online, and I make it 05:27 in Kenya, so go on, get off to sleep x Login to Reply Njeri Hunjeri Date: 7/23/2015 10:41:00 AM Thank u Viv. I always appreciate your support. God bless