Uncanny

A big headed, protruding navel, slang talking little boy just popped up in our amidst. All we knew was that he was my uncle's son and a trail of mischief was forever his shadow (inserts chuckle). His name was even stranger.....Jomokenyatah? What on God's green Earth? (inserts chuckle through tears). No formal introduction was necessary,  he just fit right in. We swear, he became our granny's favourite in absolutely no time! Hiding stuff in her blouse to hand to him when she thought we didn't notice, that was a tell all. (inserts chuckle)

We remember the days when he ran naked and his mother screamed "Oba,"....... to which there was never a response, just giddy innocence and joy to be part of a clan. More like a brother than a cousin, Jomokenyatah became our own. We all loved him, looked after him, scolded him, hugged him, trailed him and sometimes feared for him. That mischief was otherworldly. 

For some time, we did not see him because his passion landed him on flights and took him to stand in the middle of the goal nets to defend. So talented, that Tucker could command several other positions with ease. Such aspirations were thrilling. We bragged and shared in every moment, boasting of the greatness that Jomokenyatah miraculously stepped into. Life was set.

But then.....a dark wind settled and it never moved away. It stripped a young man of ambition, seized and caged potential, it wreaked havoc. The darkness crippled. Then, in no time at all, like some twisted and cruel joke, Jomokenyatah became unrecognisable. (inserts tears).

A spirit that once rocked the clouds became as frail as the shell of the snail and Tucker could no longer even move. How unfair to watch it all dissipate....to look onward in anguish and helplessness, to watch that dark wind violently blow away his soul till the house that kept him safe simply crumbled. Truly undeserving, unimaginable to be frank, yet so real that it exposed the fragility and unpredictability of life. The sudden, lowered rhythm of the voice sent chilling confirmation and just like that we knew, yet couldn't accept...........But what would Oba say? "Me, my little life I enjoying."

So dance, Jomokenyatah, rest dear Oba, tuck safely in the bosoms of Christ, Tucker. 

We prepared your favourite dish.......but tonight, we'll have to eat it alone. Be safe and rest, my dear.