THE FATHER’S DAY AFTERMATH
So, the last Father’s Day was quite eventful.
My family made it worthwhile.
And then the moment for some speeches
“Dad, you are very honest and blunt, but you can be very mean sometimes.”
What exactly are you talking about?
That was the silent question I was asking no one.
Lọ́rọ̀ kan ṣháá, wọ́n ní mo burú.
They bought cake, big one o
And made delicious meal (not pounded yam o)
And celebrated with me as a ‘nice’ father.
Síbẹ̀ síbẹ̀ wọ́n ní mo buru
Just after cutting the cake
And taking some bites
I heard one inviting his friend.
“Hey, come grab some cake. We got Father’s Day cake.”
Right before my very eyes o
Síbẹ̀ síbẹ̀ wọ́n ní mo burú
And the Headmistress now asked if she could dish some food for the friend
The food made for me o
With no one even negotiating with me.
Not that I am a bandit o.
But how can I marry an Igbo woman
And my children will not know how to negotiate.
I remember now, and they said I am kind and generous too.
Anyway, wọ́n ní mo burú.
I was given gifts as well
Adorable gifts laikdat o
Not the usual boxers o
The gifts I love very well.
Síbẹ̀ síbẹ̀ wọ́n ní mo buru
They really made my day
And I am super grateful to them.
I woke up the second day
And in the tradition of what my father taught me
I thanked them one by one.
Some giggled, some nodded
Some murmured, “You are welcome.”
Síbẹ̀ síbẹ̀ wọ́n ní mo buru
Then a beautiful card
Signed by everyone
With nice messages
One even called me a role model.
Ju gbogbo ẹ̀ lọ, wọ́n ní mo burú
Even at that, I borrowed myself sense
And took all in
With gait and humbleness
Perhaps, it is payback time
Of honesty and bluntness.
Àbí ṣé mó burú lóòótọ́ ni?
Nevertheless, I savor the day.
The remarkable once a year moment
Not minding the punchline.
That calls for some reflections.
Maybe I am doing a great job
Triggering such a statement.
Tí wọ̀n rò wípé ní ṣe ni mó burú.
©TheVillageBoy.