Cold as Gold

When love becomes a ledger

You want to retire, but it is my money.
I worked my whole life as a teacher.
I donated much of my salary to charity
because I knew we were okay.
I've always earned more than you.
I provided for our family.
You are a banker. I am a teacher.
We both raised our children.
I still contributed more.
I'll say when and where we retire.
I'll say how and what we spend.
You left me to raise our children for two years
so you could take a job in the Western Province.
I was the one teaching all day,
cooking, taking them to activities,
and disciplining.
I came back many weekends.
Arriving the hero,
getting up before noon on Saturday,
leaving before dinner on Sunday.
I want to see someone.
I want to see someone.
Do you hear me?

A poem by Pemba Umoja