parallelism

Parallelism- a style encompassed in poetry and narration describing simultaneous situations that are similar in certain aspects but occur under very different circumstances. The concept is derived from the word parallel. Remember those geometrical lines that ran in the same direction but were never to meet ahead? Well, such is the paradox of life and death.

News headlines all over the country have been a tribute to the late Hon. Mutula KIlonzo since his demise on Saturday morning. The different stations competing (as usual) and attempting to unravel the brilliant and gifted man he was. Up till now, no one knows what exactly caused his untimely death. Speculations and hearsay are all Kenyans are getting from the media. It is said that the honourable went to bed and was never seen alive thereafter. He was all alone in his room through the night.

Now if you’ve ever lost someone close to you, you understand how painful it is. That feeling of being chocked by the throat and when you try speaking all that comes out is tears. They flow aimlessly down as if to block all your visions of life thereafter. The sight of so many people when the one you want to see lies motionless in some box. Grieve is what you can only do.

On another tiny hospital bed this evening, a little princess sleeps warm beside her mother. Her father has probably stepped out of the room to escort all their friends who have been visiting with their congratulatory messages since her Grande arrival on planet earth.

To be honest though, the birth process wasn’t all bliss and Elysium at first for me-an observer. In fact, when I saw that tiny head struggling to come out to the world I was scared and unsure of the outcome. I have read widely on scenarios of congenital anomalies such as a bad heart, a blue baby, too many toes, no toes, a big head, and no head…hell! Anything could go wrong!

 It could but it didn’t. Not in the very least today. She came out with ten perfect and tiny toes and fingers. She let out a soft cry and opened her eyes and when I held her in my arms I understood how mighty God is. The feeling was amazing!! Surely no amount of writing can sum up the pride and sheer joy that encircles your entire being when you come face to face with a new-born baby.

And so the circle of life continues. As it has been and as it shall continue to be. That while others jump in joy and jubilation, others wail and weep in despondency. I would like to join my countrymen to mourn the loss of a mighty giant and look up as well to the proud parents and congratulate them on their daughter’s arrival. Mean as it seems, that is life and it must go on.