We built our lives together
Raised children, gave his name
Made a promise to be together
Till death do us apart
Sweetie, let me tell you this
We grow old together
Do everything a normal couple does
Sleep together, wake up together
Walk on the road holding hands
But does he ever do this with you?
Would he ever?
And he proudly calls me his wife
What does he call you girl?
his mistake?
his lie?
his guilt?
His mistress?
I know you would wait for him
For days to hear his voice
For months to see his face
Forever to take my place…
Why would you
wait for him when he never waits for you
hope when there seems to be no hope left
cry yourself to sleep when you know he sleeps beside me
He finds you easy
Because you never complain
You never demand
He finds you exciting
Because I am older
And you my child, younger
He finds you attractive
Because you try hard
to please him more
I’m his mama’s meal
not exciting, nothing to long for
You’re his exotic meal
Tempting, something to crave for
But that crave doesn’t stay long
Not after he discovers another
But he’d always come for mama’s meal
As it would always remain the same
And he’s too used to that homely taste…
And above all,
We call ourselves a family
What do you call yourself?
(This poem is inspired by the beautiful song 'The other woman' by Nina Simone)
