I was going to buy kako
When I heard him shout “PRAKO!”
Held by four struggling policemen
His strength surpasing the uniformed men
Abena nkɔnkɔnsa
I get tipsy on nsa and nkɔnkɔnsa
So I stood rooted
Hoping to see the matter’s roots uprooted
And so I watched as he fumed pointing at a boy
…who obviously was not, at that point, his joy
II
“Good grief!
You hold and threaten to charge me because I’m teaching my child?
Know the white laws give parents relief
…immediately their wards turn 18 and wild
Isn’t that parenthood in brief?
Now think of why they’re and preach for others to be mild!
IIb
My child will grow to be a blow
…if I don’t show him the right path to life
Imagine him turn an angry god to live my foe
As I struggle in fear between death and strife!
Will the white law then save my low
When tears drown my wife?
If not, step aside and leave my cane, and let me this boy show!
IIc
There is a reason the Bible preaches
Spare the rod and spoil a child
I will never go against what it teaches
To go mild and leave him wild
Tongues wag
Mouths nag
…but no pocket will wash my rag
If my nurturing sags to tag”
He will go to school
…and not turn fool
…to be used as tool
…or a bull
A vagabond in my house?
I’d rather he turns into a mouse!”
III
So I got it
His son is a misfit
…so he is having a fit
I hope he gets a way to fit
…his son’s hopes and dreams
…and his fits and screams
Because his rants can’t mend
the child’s can’ts and bends
Or could his perspective and dialogue be a blend?
Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia © April 25, 2020
Mum Cee 