Mufananidzo written and illustration by mudiwa marasa
to my mother no one will ever know the whole left in my heart when you left. . it was the writting , the writting made me whole. forever will you live in the words you wrote. Thank you mum
Contents
Mafananidzo Chioneso Chiedza Rugare Rudo Tariro Chidzoka Behold death Angel of death What is death I will ďŹ ght I am life Mother was strong Rain wildowers stones Body Find my heart Pure Sinners prayer Sweet secrets
Mufananidzo The relationship between a mother and daughter is a bond stronger than that of just the roles they play. It starts at conception, the realization of the life starting in her body, the bond created with every meal, every step, fulling knowing that you will never be alone. When you know that you now have a daughter to care for, you will always try your best to raise your child in the best manor. In this world that is ruled by men, where women are taken for granted in the work place and at home. Woman are the dumping grounds of relationships and end up carrying burdens they are not supposed to carry, is it not right for a mother to warn their daughters of the cruelty they are to expect and how to handle it. That relationship can also be a metaphor for Africa and her relationship with her people as a whole.
Chioneso
(means Salvation in Chichewa but can mean mirror too) Urichioneso change, mwana wangu: You are my mirror. I see myself in you. And when you place your heart on your sleeve, I bleed with you. Urichioneso change, muponeso wangu; My salvation. What honor can your image bring to the foul presence of uncircumsized men? Those whose breath reeks of pure spirits and unholy alcohol. Those whose claws reach out and scratch at your satin like skin and entangle in you’re coiled up hair; You cry out in despair. You are too young Too young to understand that not all hearts are ďŹ lled with love.
Mwana wangu, chioneso change. You can never be the world salvation Your womb can never carry the world’s children Your heart can never hold the worlds sorrow You can never cry the world tears But you will always be my mirror and reflect back your mother’s pain. Child, open your eyes Open your eyes to your mother’s pain Chioneso change, mwana wangu You are my mirror I see myself in you Yet you dress up, go out and forget me Urichioneso change, muponeso wangu My salvation Can’t you see my daughter? Only you can rectify my sins
Because my past will become your future And your future will remain my past Chidzoka chioneso change Don’t become your mother’s sins Don’t wade any deeper into your mother’s skin. Hold your breath lest I might infect you You are our bloodlines salvation Resurrect me, resurrect me Your eyes are still naïve, you can’t see my scars As your claws dig deeper as I carry you out of Babylon. Ndibereke mwanawangu, mwana vevhu Urirota upenyu wakakodzera kuvevako Undivakire guva rangu mumoyo mako Usakanganwe kwavakabva Urichiedza changu pakati perima Chioneso changu
Chiedza
(means light in Shona) Chiedza Light of the world Go out and shine Chiedza Light of my heart Why can’t you be mine? Chiedza The woman who wears a smile even on dark days Chiedza The woman who walks on, even when times are tough Many men will desire you But will fear your golden rays Because your light will exposeTheir hearts and set ablaze their evil ways
Chiedza Light of the land Go out and seek what’s yours Chiedza Light of my soul My heart only you can restore Chiedza The woman who prays at night through the rage of a storm Chiedza The woman who walks in the rain, bare foot in search of God Many days you will knock No doors will open Your knuckles bleed At the door of devils
Your death has awaken me!
Thank you for taking the time to read this short preview of the book. if you want to order the full book. contact me on 0777222071 or send an email to mudiwaart@gmail.com and i will be sure to contact you back all poems and illustrations have been created by yours truely. Thank you for your support!!