maasai child a woman before
she is a child she cannot be
a child at all because she is
maasai
she helps her family
raise the cattle
milk the cattle
she walks many miles to
find water helps gather wood
for the fire she learns
to build and fix the enkang
when rains have caused
another leak
she learns woman's
work mending clothes
making beaded jewelry for
tourists who want to buy
authentic african artifacts
she helps her tired mother
raise her brothers and sisters
a woman before
she is a child
before she is ready she gets
circumsized then
is forced by her culture her
people even her family to
marry a complete stranger
a woman before she is a child
__________________________________________
A strange culture. It really hurts to know. Well-penned!
Sincerely,
Regino
Reviewed by Rukiya Faizah (Reader)
Reviewed on February 4, 2003
you know what any women's work seems as if it is never done. I like this piece but sometimes when looking at other cultures we have to understand that somethings are a part of thier way of life. We may not understand it or like it but is it right for someone outside of the culture to knock it? I'm not saying that's what you were doing but in reading this that question just came to mind. Maybe the Masaai people cherish a hard work ethic...well, this is a nicely written piece and it makes me feel like reading more into the Masaai people. Do you recommend any books?
I really do feel your sentiment in this poem so don't feel as though I am nitpicking. I believe that a good poem ignites questions and curiosity and that's exactly what you've done. ONe.
Yankee Doodle Daddy is a historical Appalachian Family Saga. The story follows a mother's reckoning as she struggles to survive and keep her four daughters alive.
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Sincerely,
Regino
I really do feel your sentiment in this poem so don't feel as though I am nitpicking. I believe that a good poem ignites questions and curiosity and that's exactly what you've done. ONe.
Sandie Angel :o)