MOTHER OR WIFE by Winlade

MOTHER OR WIFE?

(In the evening, after farmers have dropped their cutlasses and hoes to enjoy the cool evening breeze that speaks of God's goodness, Àdìó and Arewà are seated under the tree that serves as shade for market women during dry season playing love.)
ÀDÌÓ:
Arewà mi, the one who has triumphed over all the beauty of this universe to arrest my heart and sentence her to life imprisonment in that desired prison of love... My tongue is eager to make a confession to your ears.
AREWÀ:
 Hmmm... Àdìó, I tell everybody of how the fight at the bank of Esin river catapulted us into this prison of happiness which I want to dwell till my eyes close and my body becomes stiff and lifeless. You know a day without you is like a thousand in slavery. Tell me that which has escaped your throat to your tongue, and I shall listen.
ÀDÌÓ:
Thanks to her majesty, the sole queen of this milky land moulded by the Creator with utmost patience. I discovered when I journeyed to the world of imagination that you are the life I want. Come with me to the compound erected by my ancestors and you shall find my mother's favour.
AREWA:
Ó ti tún dé ooo. Are you trying to lift me up to the zenith of joy to later bring me down to feed on grass? An everlasting happiness is all I desire Àdìó mi.
ÀDÌÓ:
 How I wish I could tear the flesh covering my heart like paper to expose the expression covered by the flesh. Even the birds of the sky lend credence to the fact that my cup runs over of your love!
AREWA:
I will say you said it. But... There is a question that has been dwelling in my mind for long.
ÀDÌÓ:
Arewà mi, a wise being asks to know, for we know only by asking. Pour out that which has turned your mind to its abode. Let me know the question, so you could get an answer.
AREWÀ:
Thanks to him who deserves my heart. I saw you at the market square during the last egúngún festival dancing with your mum. The laughter written on your face communicated clearly the bond of love which has made you stay by her when all your brothers left in search of greener pastures. How will you love her less and love me more?
ÀDÌÓ:
Hmmm... My mother! That woman of valour who sprinkled blood on my face when I knocked on the door of the world! The standing daughter of Arógunyò the great among his ten sitting sons. No wonder she complemented that revered hunter that brought shame over lion in his den by snatching his life with just an ordinary cap. Thou art great where you lay your head father.
I will answer your question now Arewà. How is it possible for a mother to forget the pain of childbirth?
AREWÀ:
 Impossible...
ÀDÌÓ:
You are very wise my queen. The remembrance of that day brings agony to her soul when the child for who she bore that pain forsake her for another. I love you and will love her more.
AREWÀ:
 (looking angry)You build mansion only with your tongue. Didn't you say I am the life you want? You should love me than your mother or else...
ÀDÌÓ:(Cuts in)
 Don't take it beyond this lane. It is my duty to love my mother more, so as to love you.
AREWÀ:
 I don't understand...
ÀDÌÓ:
My mother told me I should marry a mother and not a wife. Because, a wife has a leg in and a leg in which could go out at any time to drag out the remaining one. But a mother remains till you close your eyes and say bye to the land of the living.
AREWÀ:
Wow! You indeed fed on the milk of a sage.
ÀDÌÓ:
Yes, she is indeed a sage! She is worth a whole library in the land of our white brothers. Would you walk by my side to her dwelling place in my ancestors compound?
AREWÀ:
With pride will I hold your hand and walk you down her abode.
(Happy, they left for the mother's dwelling place)