WEEK 10 – THE NEW WIFE, Part 3 of 3

"She might as well be dead!" Obi roars then curses
"For a girl who is lame has no use at all to me.
No wonder she still lives in her father's dirt house.
No man will be caught dead with a limp in his bed!"

The Old Man spits out discolored mucus
His tiny eyes sparkling in the dim light of the hut
"Be careful what you say next, Obi my son.
A man without wisdom insults another in his house.

"The need which devours you is known far and wide.
You've been searching for five years to find a new bride,
Since no father in his right mind will bind to your house,
No matter the thousand yams sticking out of your barn.

"You fail to grasp a wondrous opportunity.
Everyone will get what he deserves in the end.
Now, it is true my daughter's leg's a sacrilege,
But it's the leg that's rotted – not her womb.

"As your mother's madness spread throughout the land,
So too are just as numerous sons born to my girls.
Choose not to see the limp as you look upon her.
Choose to see instead the sons she'll bear for you."

True though his words may be, they irritate Obi
He looks to the girl whose tears fall freely
His eyes drag unbidden to the sin at her side
He looks away quickly and thinks of his heirs

"Let it be as you say, Old Man," Obi says at last
"But if sons do not come from her I'll surely kill you.
Then your toothless wives and all your worthless sons.
May The Gods curse me further if I speak untruth."

With that, Obi turns and whoosh he is gone
The Old Man again spits out discolored mucus
"Dry your tears, girl, you are at last married.
Go and pack your bags and follow that rogue."

The girl lingers anyway, her tears not abating
The last thing she wants is to leave her father's house
Having thought her leg the worst The Gods would do
Apparently there was more in the man they called Obi

She at last shuffles off to do her father's bidding
No sooner is she gone than her sister rushes in
Ije-oma reverently kneels before her father
"What of me, Father, who shall I marry now?"

He pats her gently, this his favorite child
"Go and fetch Emeka so we can begin the rites.
One daughter at least should have her heart's desire."
Ije bursts with tears as she fiercely hugs her sire

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