An African Mother Advice Poem by Charles Bernard

Tonight witches shall gather
Soon the sun will go to bed
Ndubisi my son come home
Come lay in your mother's arm
Let my love protect you
Under my bosom you will dwell
Till dawn in my warmth

Come my son
The moon is full tonight
Let me tell you stories
The morals you must hold
Close to your heart all your life
Let them guide your thoughts
Leading you through life's path

My son
You're a prince
Like an ant be wise
Let your judgment be sound
Let your heart be filled with mercy
Give alms to the poor
Give food to the hungry

Son
Fear the woman
Her love is sweet
Her heart is dark
Keep your strength
For the love you shall find
And you shall be fruitful

My dear son
I have watched you grow
Your temper is quick
I fear it would destroy you
Hold it in check
Say but a few words
Let them be your bonds


My son
Your are my strength
Do not forget me when am old
Remember the breast that fed you
Let my old bones cling unto you
Let my dry skin feel your warmth

My son soon
I will be gone from here
Uphold your father's name
Let not his legacies die
Do me proud in your deeds
From the spirit land I will smile
For even in death I will watch you