Where Is My Father?

Where Is My Father? In an African folktale a hunter leaves his village searching for food for many months the villagers remembered the hunter’s bravery. But as memory faded no one called the hunter’s name Suddenly a son who was born after the hunter left spoke his first words He asked "Where is my father?" Now everyone recalled the lost hunter His elder sons used their magical powers To find the hunter One son could see where his bones lay the second son took them swiftly to the spot The third son restored the hunter to life. After the hunter returned home he told his sons he would reward the one who had done the most to save his life. Everyone agreed that it was the youngest child who had asked "Where is my father?" African fathers wisely name their sons "Let my name not be forgotten." I was nine when I lost the only father I have ever known I barely recognized my stepfather On the night I visited him In the hospital where he had wasted away. Loneliness sat down beside me and said Your father is dying It was true for I never saw him alive again. Over the years My mother and sister Told me the painful story Of their separation from my father. I felt angry, confused and hurt That it took so long to learn about my father I saw him once When I was a 29 year old Graduate student My mother had clipped The notice Of his funeral. When I saw him Laid out In his casket I sorrowed And kissed his forehead I signed the guest book To remind everyone Of the son He never saw. It was time to move on But at least I could answer the question Where is my father? Kenyatta YamelI've worked out most of them. I like African folklore. Written April 8th, 2002 © on Apr 08 2002 01:23 AM PST   18 • 0 • 12