Stay With Me

You see, I always say,
There’s beauty in what’s clear,
In your smile bright as day,
A charm that’s very wonderful.
Your face, an amazing work of art,
The way you sit so calm and free,
Each time you look, you take my heart,
With grace, like a dancing tree.
I know you might feel tired,
Of hearing this now and then,
But please, don’t get sad,
Take in these words, my sincere poem.
And if you’re reading these lines,
Don’t leave, stay with me,
Though I’m not your top choice now,
Someday I’ll be greater than you realize.
I’m aware I don’t fit your preference ,
But soon, you’ll realize,
My value will pave the way,
For a love made together.
Your beauty stops my world,
A fact that’s clear and bright,
In every smile, every twist,
You’re as lovely as rain in summer

@okelododdychitchats

A letter to Daddy

Dear Dad,

I hope we could meet somewhere around Nyamasaria,

I long for you to breathe again, even if it’s just one more breath,

I want to hear your voice one last time, to have it echo in my mind like a cherished songbird,

I want to see your beards, perhaps fuller than mine that stubbornly refuse to grow,

I want to touch your hands and feel their warmth,

I want to look at your face and find the resemblances between us,

I’ll ask you what you love, and what you’re afraid of losing,

I want to see your sense of style,

I want to scrutinize your smile and understand how Mum fell for you so easily,

I want to check if Stella’s shortness comes from you,

I want to study the pigment of your skin to see if my own might inherit its flawlessness,

I’ll speak to you as a man, the kind of deep, honest conversations a father and son should have,

I’ll ask you what values I should hold dear,

I’ll ask your views on polygamy,

I’ll seek your wisdom on taking care of a woman,

I want to show you my girlfriend and hear you rate her on a scale of one to ten,

With this brief moment, Dad, I’ll strive to know you better,

Please, just breathe once more, Papa.

With all my love,
Rateng’

@okelododdychitchats

See You Soon

“The ambulance cannot transport your patient to Migori,” were the indifferent words spoken by the receptionist at the hospital where my mother had been admitted for two weeks without adequate care. While I refrain from mentioning the hospital’s name, I do so out of gratitude for the exceptional care provided by some of the nurses and two doctors. Accompanied by my brother-in-law and uncle, we were in the midst of arranging a transfer to a facility closer to home for proper care. Our home is in Rongo, Migori County, and all this time, we were in the cold, unfamiliar highlands of Kikuyu town.

I know you’re wondering why we were in Kikuyu when we’re from Rongo. Just give me one second to explain. My mother was attending a women’s conference in Kiambu town, and on a Thursday evening, while heading to their hotel with her fellow female believers, she was knocked down by a speeding motorist who was drunk and driving on the wrong side of the road. I wrote about the incident, but instead of directing you to a link, allow me to paste it here!

She Loves God,

Why am I shaking in town?
I thought I was okay.
Why do I feel like crying every time my mind switches to her?

She was just smiling.
I mean, I saw her smile on that phone call.

And you know, I hear she was very happy
while joking with her mates about how they’ll receive punishment if they don’t sing for God on Sunday.

She loves God, you know.
I often hear her say how God has moved her, and I see that too….

She was at the scene from the Lord’s house, the church, of course.
She had just received that good news that she shared with me before that heartbreaking call.

That call from Daktari wa Masomo, Dr. Bernard Alaka, forget that he’s called Bernard, ‘Boy’ sounds good on him…
He told me, “Prince, Mum amepata accident. Find a cab, and I’ll send you money to come.”

I was heartbroken.
I was like, “Didn’t she just finish praying to God, and even come here because of prayer?”

You know how sometimes you can question God, not blaming Him though…
I felt mad. I was really angry.

Anyways, I took a cab and went.
Everyone was there, all worried but happy because she was alive.

I went in to see her, and she said, “Baba, Bwana Asifiwe, Umekuja ?”
I saw that from her lips; she was not able to speak.

What I saw wasn’t pleasing, but I felt hope!
And the fact that members of the church were there with me till morning kept me strong.

I didn’t call any family member until morning.
They all came; people came.

And when she saw people she knew, I saw her feeling strong.
I know you’ll be fine, Mom, thanks to all for showing the love…

It’s made the two days that I have not slept completely feel like one minute.

***

I won’t dwell on it much, but let me say all is well. Today, we’re in an ambulance, headed to a facility of our choice in Migori County. In the back of the ambulance, I’m accompanied by a paramedic from Eagles Nursing Home, her name is Patricia. She’s calm, professional, appears to be around 21 years old, wearing grey Vans shoes, and she’s scrolling down her Samsung Galaxy Note “Something.” Beside my mother, who’s in a lot of pain and sweating profusely, sits my aunt, Nyar Seme, she looks worried. She hasn’t eaten anything since morning, and besides her concern for her sister-in-law, I bet she’s hungry and tired. I’m seated next to my mum and Patricia, the paramedic. Yes, remember her? I’m worried, asking myself when we’ll reach Rongo because I can feel my mum’s pain.

In the front, we have the driver, Jeff. I met Jeff at the hospital; he was from Garissa, bringing a patient, a police officer who was badly injured in an attack. We had just been informed that the facility ambulance couldn’t take us to Mashinani, and then God brought Jeff to us in the midst of our distress after calling several service providers whose fees we couldn’t afford. Jeff had the exact ambulance we were instructed to use. He’s a good man. He’s seated with my uncle, Uncle Oloo, the kind of man who can rescue you from anything, anytime. He loves sports, was a footballer, and enjoys doing handy jobs. Isn’t that enough with my humble descriptions?

The weather is unfriendly, Oh my God ! it’s raining heavily, I mean kunanyesha very bad, the kind of rain that I would describe as “it was raining cats and dogs” in my lower primary composition. What we’re witnessing is quite threatening; soil has been swept onto the tarmac by the waters, the road is resembling a farm where vehicles are stuck and unable to move. There’s traffic, and it’s in the middle of nowhere. Thank God, we have been given way because we are in an ambulance and we’re just utilizing one of those favors of riding in an ambulance. Anyway, we need to get to the next facility, which is almost a 4-hour drive away, real quick!

My ink is depleted, as well as my creativity for now. I can’t promise to keep you posted, but we’ll catch up on my next piece, and let me give some hope that Mum will be all right. See you soon!

@okelododdychitchats

Wheel of Time

My car has been through a lot, driven by many hands,
Traveling diverse routes, facing potholes and deathly bends.
It’s been tough, surviving punctures and rough rides,
But now, it’s showing signs, secrets it no longer hides.

The steering wheel, once so familiar and warm,
Now feels distant, like facing a brewing storm.
The engine, once steady, now leaks strange oil,
A metaphor, maybe, for a love spoiled.

I’ve loved this car, but it’s failed me in a way,
It’s become a wreck, like a love gone astray.
I fear driving it, scared it might fail,
So, sadly, I must say goodbye, hit the trail.

It’s time for a change, a new start, a new lane,
Where loyalty is strong, and trust doesn’t wane.
So, with a heavy heart, I’ll let go of this ride,
And find a new one, where love will abide.

@okelododdychitchats

She Loves God

Why am I shaking in town?
I thought I was okay.
Why do I feel like crying every time my mind switches to her?

She was just smiling.
I mean, I saw her smile on that phone call.

And you know, I hear she was very happy
while joking with her mates about how they’ll receive punishment if they don’t sing for God on Sunday.

She loves God, you know.
I often hear her say how God has moved her, and I see that too….

She was at the scene from the Lord’s house, the church, of course.
She had just received that good news that she shared with me before that heartbreaking call.

That call from Daktari wa Masomo, Dr. Bernard Alaka, forget that he’s called Bernard, ‘Boy’ sounds good on him…
He told me, “Prince, Mum amepata accident. Find a cab, and I’ll send you money to come.”

I was heartbroken.
I was like, “Didn’t she just finish praying to God, and even come here because of prayer?”

You know how sometimes you can question God, not blaming Him though…
I felt mad. I was really angry.

Anyways, I took a cab and went.
Everyone was there, all worried but happy because she was alive.

I went in to see her, and she said, “Baba, Bwana Asifiwe, Umekuja ?”
I saw that from her lips; she was not able to speak.

What I saw wasn’t pleasing, but I felt hope!
And the fact that members of the church were there with me till morning kept me strong.

I didn’t call any family member until morning.
They all came; people came.

And when she saw people she knew, I saw her feeling strong.
I know you’ll be fine, Mom, thanks to all for showing the love…

It’s made the two days that I have not slept completely feel like one minute.

@okelododdychitchats

Who Owns Your Heart ?

Tell me, how many souls are graced with the tender name “babe” upon your lips?
How many hearts beat to the rhythm of your love songs?
Do you truly hold us all, all eight of us, in your heart ?
Does fear not grip you, knowing the potential storms of entwined destinies?

I tremble.
Do Kemunto’s confessions, laid bare on her Instagram stories, not sow seeds of doubt and fear within your own heart?
How do you define love amidst the thorns of suffering that line your path?
Your love seems a storm, lacking in solace, a relentless force that scars the soul. It could be that your love is but a riddle, a confusion of torment.

I ask again, to whom among us do you pledge your eternal troth?
Am I but a pawn in your daily theater, a recipient of hollow promises and veiled deceits?
Your justifications ring hollow in my ears.
Who reigns supreme in the kingdom of your affections, and what pleasure do you glean from this complex dance of emotions?
Does guilt not weigh heavy upon your soul?
How do you go about this hammer-and-tongs sea of passion?
In the end, I concede; it is your prerogative to chart your course as you see fit. My role in this drama reaches its final act.
Who claims dominion over your heart?

@okelododdychitchats

Cherished

My love for you runs deep,
Like a river carving through mountains, it’s a treasure I’ll always keep.
I’d rewrite every story, change every tune, just for you, my dear,
For your smile, your laughter, your love, my soul holds you near.

I’d paint the sky a different hue, if it meant seeing you smile,
I’d walk a thousand miles, just to hold you for a while.
In your eyes, I find my truth, in your arms, my sanctuary lies,
With you, my love, every moment feels like a prize.

I’ll rewrite the narratives of our lives, sculpt them with love and care,
With you by my side, I know we’ll make a perfect pair.
I’ll dance to the rhythm of your heartbeat, sync our souls in sweet hugs,
For in your love, I find my home, my solace, my saving grace.

So on this Valentine’s Day, let my words be a gentle decree,
My love, forever and always, it’s you and me.
I’ll rewrite our story, change our fate, if it means being with you,
For in this journey of love, my darling, it’s you I’ll always pursue.

@okelododdychitchats.

Why Valentines ?

Today, it’s been 22 years since he departed,
But God, weren’t you her confidant, her friend?
Why pluck her beloved on Valentine’s Day,
When you had countless other days to choose from?
Could you not have spared her this heartache,
Just for one more day, one day to hold dear?

We’ve been taught not to question your ways,
To accept your will as the ultimate decree.
But forgive me for feeling this is unjust,
Is this why your friendships are so few?

My anger rises, for she was still so young,
Just embarking on life’s journey with her family.
With young children, the eldest barely five,
She hadn’t yet found her footing, her stride.

Then, like a sudden storm, death swept in,
And snatched away her partner, her soulmate.
How can this be fair, to leave her
With shadows on a day meant for love’s celebration?

As others stroll hand in hand,
Amidst fragrant blooms and tender caresses,
She cloaks herself in sorrow’s shroud,
Haunted by the ghost of that day.

Even after 22 years, the pain remains fresh,
As if it happened just a breath ago.
She clings to his last words, his final touch,
His essence lingering like a bittersweet melody.

She recalls how his eyelids closed,
Never to flutter open again,
And how he lay, his head gently tilted,
Upon the Agha Khan, Kisumu bed,
As he breathed his final breath.

Death, they say, is a passage we all must tread,
But why, oh why, choose Valentine’s Day?

@okelododdychitchats

Betrayed !

Who says a typical African man cannot cry?
I’ve shed tears countless times,
The pain was overwhelming,
It cut deep into my soul.
I gave my all in love,
Only to be hurt,
Like searing drops of plastic on tender skin,
Like the agony of removing a tattoo.
It felt as if a dagger pierced my heart…
She deceived me all along,
And I, blinded by love, believed her empty words.
I mistook her companions for friends, for allies,
Yet they were all feasting from her pot,
Or what I once thought was mine.
Was I inadequate?
Or was I simply not enough for her?
I am exhausted,
I cannot endure this any longer.
Even in my realization, I cannot welcome you back,
I’ve become wary after being bitten twice.
Your presence no longer comforts me,
Your touch, once tender, now feels abrasive.
I recoil from your hug,
It’s as though I’m being pricked by thorns.
I cannot continue like this!
I am weary and worn, I am tired !

@okelododdychitchats

Endless Craving

Every dawn, every dusk, every twilight,

I’m not talking about occasional moments,

It’s a craving that persists,

I yearn to bask in the sensation of you,

To relish the warmth of your breath gently grazing my neck,

To feel the delicate touch of your breast against my chest,

I simply ache to feel your presence close,

To sense the texture of my skin melding tenderly with yours,

To trace the outline of your beautifully arched back with my eager nails,

To firmly grasp your waist in my hands,

To be serenaded by the melody of your moans,

To taste the sweetness of your lips,

I long to feel you nestled beside me,

To shower you with love,

I ache to experience the velvety touch of your lips,

Against my neck, as I strive to imprint mine on your forehead,

To explore with my tongue the contours of your breasts, reveling in their succulence,

Clasping the pert nipples tightly with my lips,

To cradle and caress you, without fail, each and every time.

@okelododdychitchats