My dear, keep your bundles of money, my sweat is sweeter

Listen, I mean no disrespect to you, but taking questionable handouts from you to get ahead in life is not a story I would like to tell my daughter in future. ILLUSTRATION | JOSEPH NGARI

What you need to know:

  • If you could only place your dear daughter (who is my agemate, just in case you forgot her birthday) in my shoes and put on my father’s shoes for just a moment, then you would probably get my point of view.
  • She (my mama, dear) will probably be a laughing stock for a while of those who will see her as having a daughter ‘stupid’ enough to decline the advances of a rich established man like you, who would have handed her the world in a silver platter.
  • Thank my parents and the wonderful teachers I have had. I will gladly write your speeches still, especially if they will be backed by evidence of how you have spent public funds on invisible projects.

I am writing you this letter at 4.48am, not because I have run out of sleep, but because I have to decline your offer to secure my future at the cost of my dignity.

Sir, I am very flattered that you have found me worthy to spend your energies on, but I am far from elated that you consider me a prospective candidate.

Listen, I mean no disrespect to you, but taking questionable handouts from you to get ahead in life is not a story I would like to tell my daughter in future.

If you could only place your dear daughter (who is my agemate, just in case you forgot her birthday) in my shoes and put on my father’s shoes for just a moment, then you would probably get my point of view.

HEAD HELD HIGH

Listening to you, I cannot help but wonder where we, as a people, are headed. Please do not get me wrong.

I appreciate all that you are doing for my fellow countrymen. The trips you make to my village should not stop, Sir, for you will have put my mama in trouble.

She and fellow villagers love the goodies you bring, you know. It would be sad if you abruptly stopped because of my rejection.

Then again, I want to continue believing that what you do is not to woo, but serve, your people. She (my mama, dear) will probably be a laughing stock for a while of those who will see her as having a daughter ‘stupid’ enough to decline the advances of a rich established man like you, who would have handed her the world in a silver platter.

That, however, is the least of my concerns, for I know her. She will smile and be glad she raised dignity. How she will walk with her head high!

My father will find in his grave a sitting position to laugh at you and your guts. Have you forgotten so fast you were one of his best friends? He will laugh so hard at your wounded look, we will probably have to redo his grave.

I do not understand why you believe my siblings would not be pleased at my decision. You must not know about us. One thing you need to know is that I am proud of where I come from and what I do. I will rise someday using the right means. You say that will take time… my friend, I will wait. For when the day comes, I will owe no human, but God Almighty.

I remain unimpressed by the quick fixes you want to offer; I assure you I eat my sweat only, and that it is the most delicious meal of all.

PROUD TO BE ME

You are concerned about how I count days to my next payday. Trust me, the juice is worth the squeeze.

You have elaborated the time and dedication I put into my work and opened my eyes to the better rewards you would offer if only I could become aware of your abilities as the highest bidder. All these, I have told you repeatedly, are neither palatable to my ears nor my being.

Thank you again, for how you love to hear me speak.  I do not blame you. Thank my parents and the wonderful teachers I have had. I will gladly write your speeches still, especially if they will be backed by evidence of how you have spent public funds on invisible projects.

I know that when I look at myself in the mirror after you get this letter, I will be smiling.

Not at my father’s forehead and nose or my mother’s eyes, cheeks and mouth that I see on the face reflected back, features that I love, but because I am proud of the woman I have become.

Your Unrequited Love,

Verarita Wananyanga.