NDIDI

I have come to love you
Almost as much as I love myself, if not more
You complete me

I see you
Through every struggle we have prevailed
Our backs be against the rocky ground or a soothing bed
Misconceptions enrage us but still,
We have each other to cherish and to hold
Like a mother would a daughter

How then is love like this not permitted to last?
How does one keep a sound mind without the other?
Bearing the weight of silence in every replayed conversation in my mind

Constantly dwelling on what ought to and would have been
I want more than anything to rest in your embrace
My head settling into the sereneness of your bosom
Surmising the scent your body exudes
Listening earnestly to every breath you draw

A woman so full of life
Like a protector, you uplift me

My first duty is to trust and obey your judgement
Your selflessness has been for my best interests
Oh mother!

I have been urged to let the dead bury their dead
Sometimes it feels something in me died with you
Something called enthusiasm

If only for a passing moment
Even if it is from afar or a quick brush of our shoulders
If a choice was set before me
To give my life in exchange for yours

We both know what the answer would be
However unsettling it would be for you
But then, you will live out your days thinking of me in utter reclusion

Watching you live through each day with grief will bring my spirit so much pain
Watching you forget me too easily will make me jealous
My fondness for you has made me powerless

Your visage is an expensive possession
I am afraid I cannot buy
Because of the responsibility of sister-motherhood you gave to me
Thank you, Mother, for that

I want to tell it all
To your fair ears and insightful mind
How the days of my life has been so far
And how I almost did not make it through your demise

Heaven needs a postman
I want to bring you letters and still take care of your family
I wish more than anything to find you there

Dearest Nne,
Do you miss me as much as I miss you?
… Nkiruka Omeke