Ochokobila by Afiah Obenewaa

They say I must wake up early to fetch your bathing water.

They even added that I make sure it is not biting cold.

I must even stay to carry away your water pot after bathing.

All this I did and more.

I licked the water off your back.

I smeared scented shea butter across your scarred ridges.

I ensured the leathery wrinkled folds around your groin glistened with moisture

I was told to quench your sexual desires

And not pay attention to how my own body works.

I exceeded their expectations

Every night I slept across the urine-soaked straw mat

Eagle-spread, as I awaited your empty thrusts

and feigned moans to match your assertions of masculinity.

All this I did

All these I sacrificed.

Now they accuse me of your death

Tomorrow I must prove my innocence before the Council of Elders

My mothers say I hasten the process

So we can bury you next market day

And I will be off to serve my sentence with the river goddess.

I am not the first

I won’t be the last.

I wear a knowing smile

I know how exactly you died

I know how sharp and well-aimed my incantations were.

I know