My Pickpockets
I stumbled out of the gates just over a year ago, my pockets full of laughter. Until then I'd lived in a gated community, surrounded by familiar folk living happily ever after.
We were a fairy tale of characters, our lives led by the enchantment of our well-being. Then one day, we were exposed and tempted by the taste of uncharted water.
And the spirit of those who came before, ghosts of time long past, shadows of dreams conjured up in youth, overcame us: me, myself and I. Among us we decided, the braver cut from the threesome.
So, I rose to the occasion, the delicate two remaining, shepherds in charge of lessons, matriarchs of refuge, and valuable sources of comfort.
And with merriment fitted for the moment and joy enough to feed hope, I stumbled out of the gate, my pockets full of laughter.
On that date my life began in a Blog Land occupied by a colony of characters, brave and bold in this new world, foraging for nourishment. And I have profited ever since, from the food of their minds and goodness of their hearts.
Dear readers, followers, friends old and new,
Thank You for picking the laughter from my pockets and filling my heart with gifts far greater.
May the blessings of the season fill your pockets full of splendor, and I'll be sure to stop by and relieve them of the happy sound of laughter.
Peace and Joy and Mingi Love as well!
Mama Shujaa.
Copyright © Mama Shujaa 2009. All Rights Reserved.
Reading your spin on President Obama's election victory and the way you posited it against the post-independence history of Kenya, (a story which in actuality would apply to most of sub-Saharan Africa), and especially the point on those Kenyans who wouldn't vote for Obama because of the particular Kenyan ethnic group of his father's ancestors, caused me in one instant to see this in a very different light.
ReplyDeleteIt seems perhaps that the joy surrounding the accession of Black America to the pinnacle of political power has prevented many of us from seeing the picture as clearly as you described it in that very first post on this blog. Very insightful and thought provoking..
Yes, I should be commenting on today's post, but it was impossible for me not to say something about how profoundly affected I was by that post of 8 November 2008, though I have only just read it for the first time now.
Wishing you joy and laughter too during this festive season.. :)
Mama Shujaa - I wish you peace and joy as well during the holiday season. I am so lucky to be one of your co-workers because you always bring plenty of laughter to the office. So I guess we pick each others pockets. Thanks for this inspirational blog during a time when we often become stressed.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. I can apply all that you have said to where I am right now in my life. I am happy that we found each other in this blogosphere =).
ReplyDeleteI've said it before Mama S and I'll say it again, you have the gift of words within your grasp, and I would love to see your work in print. This poetic piece here, again it astounds me like your Taxi Driver series, there is this aura of effortlessness to it, like it's just flowing out of you...is it like that when you write, do you struggle to write? Inspiring stuff
ReplyDeleteThank you all! I hope for continued inspiration and most of all, time to continue to share with you.
ReplyDeleteTo answer Novuyo's question about my writing process...when I am inspired, the words just form themselves into sentences that capture the idea.
I struggle when I force myself to write uninspired. I find myself revising sentences over and over and they just end up looking and feeling so bad that I end up scrapping them.
But when I am in the zone, it just flows. Wish I could switch it on and off, whenever I choose. Unfortunately it does not happen that way.
Merry Christmas!
Oh, Mama S, it has been such a joy to read and be a part of your blog. I, too, started on this blogging journey last year and I remember that you were one of my most faithful and active followers! What a blessing that turned out to be.
ReplyDeleteI have been struggling with the regular posting myself, when I am not feeling inspired and I wish it could flow everyday! Alas, we are humans with busy lives and other littler humans who rely on us.
I do think that the inspiration in your prose goes so deep that long pauses don't feel long. Your ideas linger and we are grateful to be greeted by them when they reappear.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Alles Liebe, ma chere, Hana.
Rose-Anne
Anengiyefa: Thank you for enunciating the echoes for me...once again. Oftentimes, the jangle disguises the simple notes that carry courage and determination, power. And yes, it is amazing the tribalism that still exists in my country, Kenya, disguised as it may be...
ReplyDeleteRose-Anne: Hertzlische danke (wo ist mein dictionary? LOL). Alles Liebe auch from this end ma chere.
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ReplyDeleteMany thanks to you for opening up the gates of your cyber-house, for us, fortunate guests to sit down and enjoy the amiable chat and the invaluable wit your posts contain.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.
Greetings from London.
I love that image of pocket full of laughter. Thank your for sharing its contents with us. It was a delight to connect with you in cyberspace this year. I look forward to many more years.
ReplyDeleteMama Shujaa, I get amazed at your talent every time I read your latest post and I can't wait for your book! Thank you for sharing your gift with us all. Have a wonderful Christmas season and great start to 2010!
ReplyDeleteMatriarchs of refuge. Beautiful. Just beautiful. Happy love-season to you & yours x
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Thank you! Blessed, Happy Holidays to you!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, Mama Shujaa:) I haven't been by in a while to say, hi..just wanted to come by and wish you a happy new year and give you a blog award:):)you can visit Luscious Deals to get more info.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, I needed that laughter
ReplyDeletethe abandonment of the trinity
from the safe nest, the cacophony called YOU
finally free,
its freedom that makes us vulnerable
shedding the scales, the crust of life
and expose the gentle tender hearts of the soul,
the only smell of a fresh, unseen newborn day,
bonn annee
WG
Thank you so much for your comments, everyone!
ReplyDelete@ Anonymous WG: I love your articulation of this post, hope to read more from you.
Mama Shujaa I hope you enjoyed your holidays. Am I too late to wish you a happy new year?
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Shiko! No way, you are not too late, we are still in the month of January, au siyo?
ReplyDelete