I stood by my kitchen window, washing the dishes while admiring my handwork. My little garden was finally blossoming into a small fruitful green field.
I had started gardening out of boredom. Seeking for solace on days when the world felt like it was rotating too slow. When the outside world felt too loud and I needed an escape to silence my thoughts from the bustling and tiring Lagos life.
I smiled and nodded my head. If my Mama were to be here to see what I have accomplished, that little patch of earth and pots filled with green pumpkin leaves, pepper and every other little thing you could think of, I'm sure she would be proud of me. Who wouldn't be, I sure as hell was proud of myself.
I remembered how Mama Chinedu asked with her eyes wide open in surprise "Zerah, are you telling me that this little farm was born from your quest to blow away the cobwebs?"", she asked as she admired what I had done with the little space at the back of our house
I knew Mama Chinedu to be a learned woman, one who speaks in so much parables, idioms or metaphors. I had learnt a lot of it from her in just a few months. So I didn't bother to claim that I knew what she meant. I stood there looking at her, my facial expression a sign that she needed to explain herself.
When she didn't get a reply from me she turned,
"Like clear your head".
"Oh yes." I nodded, laughing sheepishly.
"Don't mind me; when you get married to a professor like me, you'll speak in tongues too," she joked, laughing back. "But it's nice what you've done here. Believe me, I'm impressed," she added, stepping out of the garden back.
I took a step back to let her pass as I continued staring at my hard work. "Growing up, I always saw my mum walk into her garden when she got upset. She said it was soothing. But I always wondered how making moulds and burying seeds could bring her comfort at that time. I guess now I understand what it felt like for her." I looked at Mama Chinedu who was smiling at me now. "Because on days when my account at work isn't balancing, when I feel sluggish, and my brain feels clogged. I come here and a little pinch and trim of these babies helps me like you said blow away the cobwebs"
"Now you're getting initiated into the coven of tongue speakers right?", she laughed exposing her beautiful set of teeth. I'm sure her husband must be making her laugh every minute just to see those dentitions. Then she turned and walked back into the compound.
I returned her laughter. "You're teaching me well, master", I joked too, following her.
A few days later, I got back from work exhausted. I had drained the last energy in me and needed to recharge myself by having a good night's rest. I got into my apartment and in one swoop, I flung my bag and shoes In different directions and headed straight to the kitchen. I needed a chilled glass of water, and then I'd throw myself on my bed. After a few hours of nap, then I'll resurrect a new creature like the biblical Lazarus, seeking what to eat.
But as I got to the kitchen, I looked out my window to see Mama Chinedu tending to my garden. At first, I thought she needed to pick a few pumpkin leaves, but on a closer look, she wasn't. Instead, she had this moody look I had never seen before.
I called out to her but she wouldn't answer. Then I slipped my leg into my fluffy flip-flops and walked outside to meet her.
"Good evening ma'am", I greeted, trying to draw her attention, but she didn't reply. I walked up to her and touched her.
She flinched and turned around to face me "Oh, Zerah. You scared me"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to." I studied her face; she wore a sad look. "Are you okay?" I asked.
She nodded at first then shook her head like she was confused.
"It helps right?" She asked instead. I could sense her voice was hiding a tear.
"What helps?" I returned her question confused.
"Gardening. It helps lighten the burden in your heart and clear the thoughts in your head right?" She asked, avoiding my gaze.
I nodded "Sure. Sure it does" I replied, choosing my words carefully.
I watched as a tear rolled down her cheeks. She quickly wiped it off with the back of her palm and turned. Then, she returned to what she was doing, her hands trembling, without uttering another word to me. I tried to pry further on what was going on, but on second thought, I walked back into the house.
If she needed to blow away the cobwebs with whatever storm she was facing, maybe it was better alone with the whispers from my garden.
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Thanks.
Indeed, Mama Chinedu was going through a lot at that moment; I'm glad she found solitude in your garden.
Thanks.
That's the power of nature. It brings healing and comfort. You must have loved gardening to the point that makes you forget your worries.
You're right.
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STOPA simply beautiful story. I was moved and felt very identified with what you tell us. Caring for and being close to plants is a balm for the spirit.
Mama Chamadu needed to be there that night and hopefully that helped her to get that sadness out of her soul.
A hug @zerah 🌷🌻