Hi everyone, Happy New Year once again. I have come to share my view about the week's prompt, 'Water'
I have grown up seeing many aunties in the neighborhood unhappy and depressed because they are at their marriageable age but no husband yet. Society is not also helping, they quickly come to a shallow conclusion. They tag these aunties different names. Many say, "She is not married because she is from the waters'. Others say, 'she is not married because she is possessed. Too many myths.
Then, as a little girl, I asked myself, 'is it the same water that we all like that is hindering these aunties from getting married?' I couldn't understand the whole thing. Water has been a lovely entity, beneficial to all. We all drink water, bath with water, wash with water, cook with water amongst other benefits. People in my community believe so strongly that many ladies are from waters and such may not get married on earth, because most of them have spouses in the water, with whom they might have made a covenant before being born.
The way the community stereotypes people in distress is alarming. If a child is sickly, they say he or she is possessed by water spirit. Many people have even gone into depression because of unverified diagnosis. It's not a dispute that some spirits exist, but not everything should be attributed to the spirit. I remember when mama Adam gave birth to her second son. She delivered at home and the baby refused to cry. The news spread like a wildfire. They said she gave birth to an Ogbanje and they were ready to throw the baby into the river, when someone prevented and did some things which made the newborn baby cry later. For the first three months, nobody in the village touched the baby except for his parents.
It was not funny until it was my friend's turn. Agnes would not even follow us to the stream to fetch water. The fear has gripped her for years. She doesn't swim, or stay near water. Her sisters were used to any river related duties. She did not want to die, according to her.
One day, Agnes someone advised Agnes to travel to another community where she could get a job and maybe husband. "Agnes, you cannot keep doing the same thing in the same way and expect a different result" Lydia advised. "Get out of this community, get a job, look better and maybe your husband would even come" That was just it! It was a spark of fire within Agnes. She agreed and called her aunt in Lagos. Unfortunately, Agnes would have to pass over a river while traveling. It was a difficult situation. Her mother advised her not to go because she might be attacked by the water spirit. " It is not a must you get a white collar job, Agnes, and it's not a problem if you remain unmarried, so far you are alive'. 'Agnes! just stay in this community and live,' She continued, "Don't cross the river". After so much thought, Agnes decided to leave the village. Yes, she crossed the river and arrived at Lagos.
It was all joy in the community because everybody thought Agnes was a water child because she couldn't get a husband and they had been protecting her from getting close to the river since. So, they thought she could not cross the river without the water spirit coming for her, but she crossed the river successfully.
Agnes is now in the city doing so well. The last time I heard from her, she had got a fiance and they are coming home for her marriage in some months' time. So, I asked myself, "Maybe her being single over the years wasn't as a result of water'. Maybe she just had to change her environment after all.
Though water could be destructive in terms of flooding, it is primarily beneficial to all. Water is friendly and we use it for many good things. It calms nerves and all. My love for water is unmatched. I love swimming, even if I am not swimming, I love being at the riverside. The way water moves without legs is mysterious. I so much like the sight but this little act can make my community term one as a water child, even when I'm not. I can't just wait for Agnes to be back for her wedding ceremony, because I'm sure she is coming with a counselor that will sensitise the whole village. Water is not bad after all.
Thanks for stopping by.
All pictures used are mine.