'New Wife' by Muhsinat Kamardeen

Papa married a new wife

We welcomed her

Strained smiles

Inner frowns

We scurried to our mothers

Questions danced in our eyes

They understood the dance

Their bodies vibrated to anger's beats

They could have spat fire like Sango

Instead they patted our heads and said calmly

"Do as you are told."

And before we could dig more

They dismissed us.

We heard whispers;

'Our husband is the perfect example of one that goes to the market without eyes.'

Cooed Number 3

'Look at the thing he brought home! She looks like a maid!'

Smirked Number 4

With folded arms, Number 2 cackled

'Whatever sweet seeds have been sowed in her cocoyam leaf ears would turn sour by the time we finish with her.'

With twisted mouth

Number 1 let out a long hiss

We watched rage and envy unpack

Papa married a new wife

Let the drama begin!

**

My friends bought new houses

I did too

I think one of them married another wife

I can’t remember but it doesn't matter

I needed something new

A new face

A new mortar for my agile pestle

So I got a new wife

My grandfather,

Bless his soul

Had twenty

My father

Ten

So what is five compared to that?

They'll have to bond

Whether they like it or not

Their anger?

That can be ignored

As the head of this house,

They have to love what I love

Or do they expect me to return her?

Impossible!

My excuse for a new one?

I told you earlier I wanted something new

Or maybe because

1 to 4 slacked in their duties

The presence of 5 would ruffle their feathers

The hustle will begin

Just to please me

And be on my good side

I married a new wife

Let the competition begin!

Muhsinat Kamardeen is a Nigerian who lives in London. She studied Politics and International Relations at Kingston University, London. In her spare time she blogs, reads and writes stories. Follow her on Instagram @holarmee_Twitter: @Mide_Kamar and read her poems and short stories on withlovefromola.com

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