Nomenclature

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After Safia Elhillo

Your mom’s mom got here from Igboland
although she didn’t educate your mom her language.
We gave you your identify in a language we don’t perceive
as a result of gravity continues to be there
even once we can’t see it in our arms.

I ask your mom’s mom to show me
among the phrases in hopes of tracing
the shadow of another person’s tongue.

The identical phrase in Igbo, she tells me, could have 4 completely different
meanings relying on how your mouth bends round
every syllable. In writing, you can’t observe the distinction.

The Igbo phrase n’anya means “sight”
The Igbo phrase n’anya means “love”

Your grandmother mentioned,
I can’t bear in mind the sight of my village
orYour grandmother mentioned,
I can’t bear in mind the love of my village

Your grandmother’s coronary heart is          forgetting
or Your grandmother’s coronary heart is          damaged

Your grandmother mentioned,
We escaped the warfare and hid from each individual in sight
orYour grandmother mentioned,
We escaped the warfare and hid from each individual in love

Your grandmother was working from hazard
or Your grandmother was working from vulnerability

Your grandmother mentioned,
My best pleasure is the sight of my grandchild
or Your grandmother mentioned,
My best pleasure is the love of my grandchild

Your grandmother needs you        current
or Your grandmother needs you        dwelling

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