Sep 08 2008
∞
“ Daughter, take this amulet,
tie it with cord and caring.
I’ll make you a chain of coral and pearl
to glow on your neck. I’ll dress you nobly.
A gold clasp too – fine, without flaw,
to keep with you always.
When you bathe, sprinkle perfume, and weave your hair in braids,
string jasmine for the counterpane.
Wear your clothes like a bride,
anklets for your feet, bracelets for your arms…
Don’t forget rosewater,
don’t forget henna for the palms of your hands…
tie it with cord and caring.
I’ll make you a chain of coral and pearl
to glow on your neck. I’ll dress you nobly.
A gold clasp too – fine, without flaw,
to keep with you always.
When you bathe, sprinkle perfume, and weave your hair in braids,
string jasmine for the counterpane.
Wear your clothes like a bride,
anklets for your feet, bracelets for your arms…
Don’t forget rosewater,
don’t forget henna for the palms of your hands…
— Poem to her Daughter, Mwana Kupona binti Msham
