BENEATH THE PALM TREE

On a locally made wooden chair, about 8 inches tall, she sat under a palm tree, dancing to the rhymes of the breeze, thus sharing oxygen, maintaining a calm atmosphere. She has exhausted her prime long time ago; a fine African woman with tribal marks, putting on a simple face graced with dimples, an epitome of beauty she was, expressed beyond the eyes of a goddess. Appeared, was a figure, Sesugh-Aondo, a teenager and thine. With smooth skin and a high cognitive capacity with interest in culture, he drew closer, covering his grandmother's eyes with his two palms impromptu. "Ohh! Who is this?, why are you covering my eyes? I haven't been in such a situation since my husband joined his ancestors. Who is bringing old memories?" she said smiling. "Tadaa!!" jumping into her front. "Ohh, little one, so you are the one playing games with your mother? I am happy that you have reminded me of my old memories. When I was a lover girl, I used to play love games with your grandpa in our banana garden. Oh! Such beautiful memories have gone into extinction within a blink of an eye." She started shedding tears, using her wrapper to wipe them off. "Sorry, mama, death is a sad reality that is, and inevitable; we can't get our hands off because it is part of nature, and we belong to nature as well. we need shock absorber to break from its psychological prison. Cry no more, mama". "Wow, you are good with words; how come at this tender age?" "Mama, wisdom is indepth; I just need to think and produce something creative." "Wow, I'm glad you are mine." Accompanying her response with a hug. Seconds passed, she continued. "When is your stay with me going to elapse?" "In two days." He replied. "Ohh, I hope you are enjoying your stay? She asked. "yes, ma'am, hehe! Especially the bush hangout, characterized by hunting rats, birds, and any edible animal. I so much love the way they go about this with joy." "That reminds me, you came back early; what happened?" "There is a naming ceremony this evening, and they request the honor of my presence. It's going to be fun! Mama, I am perturbed; this is my first time hearing about a naming ceremony. And I heard in Tiv culture, names are not just given but inspired by experiences et al. Could you please tell me about my name Sesugh?" "Wow, son, you are such a lover of wisdom, with deep interest in culture. Now, I will tell you and the reader everything about your name." She slowly rested her back on her chair, staring at the sky... Her body language could be better explained as a flashback in Nollywood. She took a deep breath; behold, wise words built from experience, shaped by experiences, and gilded with creativity started emanating: "Your name is Sesugh-Aondo, a direct translation to English will be 'we thank God'... Now in Tiv culture, names are inspired, just like you have said; they are powerful and uphold significance. Here is your story; Before your mother gave birth to you, her first child, she was barren years after marriage; for miscarriage was her definition of a married woman, never did we trash baby pampers or napkins. Until after eight years of prayer with toiled tears and faith, you were conceived. Your arrival on 4th, April 2006 kept many smiles lasting And wiped out tears; for immediately, we went down on our knees giving thanks, while watching your innocent cry, to him who unfolds mysterious deeds and turns disappointment into blessings. "Your name signifies God's love, care, and importantly reminds us about our obligation to give praise and accolades to whom all praise is due. Thus, you are the light bearer of our family, a leader for us to follow; for the light is with you to shine forth expelling darkness. A cornucopia of common charisma you are bound to be; for your counterpart will share in your depth of knowledge; you are a reservoir with great qualities and virtues creating paths for success. You are blessed, my son; thank God you want to go to the seminary; it will be another sign of grace manifesting in us." Sesugh is already in awe, marvelled at his mother, he said: "This is intriguing, mum; indeed names are powerful... And who is there staring at us with pen and paper? "Oops! That is Gospel Prestige, a penstar capturing this for future storytelling." She said with smiles. THE END!