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I am sorry, My Son
Daddy didn’t mean to embarrass you
I am sorry, My Son
How does Daddy explain all this?
How does Daddy say it didn’t happen
When Daddy’s name is on everyone’s lips--
Even that of the Milkman?
How does Daddy say it didn’t happen
When at school, your friends
Mock you for a corrupt father?
How does Daddy explain that it did not happen?
I am sorry son
For even when it comes to light that I didn’t steal
Your world would have crushed
Dreams in a mortar pestled
Faith in me smothered
If I be exonerated
Will it matter when Daddy’s name
Would have been darker than the darkest of evils?
Will the screaming headlines hush?
Or news clip obliterated, or your hurt reversed?
I am sorry, Son,
For failing you as a Daddy
Daddy is sorry, really sorry
If you were old enough, Son
I would have told you all these:
That I remained what I said
That real devils operate in the hearts of men
Scheming the most wicked believable tales
Yet the world often listens to them
If you were old enough, Son
I would have told you
That my wealth I got from growing cassava
Sugarcane and burning bricks
If my mouth breath lies
Let Tororot split it with lightning
As you will learn, My Son,
Your great grandfather was a Paramount Chief
He was a good man, what evil spirit should enter me
To shame him in his death?
I am sorry, My Son,
For failing you
I know what you feel right now
The pain, the shame
Daddy is sorry, really sorry
Time will clean me up, My Son
I also bear your pain and shame
Be strong Son, these things happen
When you grow up, you will understand them.
C) Lorot Salem 2011
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