“Denise…Denise please come home its 7pm. It’s shower time”, yelled my mother who
had just returned from her day’s errands.
“Just one more round please.”, I shouted back, with my friends giggling in the
background.
I fastened my dress that was now loosely tucked in the sides of my panty. We had been
playing “Kwepena”, whose fancy name we later learnt is dodge ball. It was my turn to
play and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity just for a shower. P.S. I always enjoyed
playtime but the aftermath of showering was always a struggle. The thought of that itchy
feeling after throwing myself in the grass trying to dodge the ball always made me dilly
dally. But eventually, I’d get round to it after countless threats from mother dearest to
not let me go out to play the next day. I couldn’t risk it.
I remember my childhood so vividly and smile. It’s safe to say that I have beautiful
memories worth revisiting. They were the most blissful years of my life and if I could
relive them, I would in a heartbeat. Playing “Kwepena” with the kids in the neighborhood
of Kizungu lane is what made my name Denise popular. If I’d stood for some leadership
position back then, fame would earn me that spot, haha!
Everyone knew me because I was the one that made rounds to different houses
collecting all the kids ready for playtime. My assistant Liz who is a good friend to date
always accompanied me. As soon as lunchtime was over, we’d hop hand-in-hand in the
cool of the day or scorching sun to gather our peers. The weather was never our worry
as long as we had each other’s company. We’d play till dusk and if not for our parents
reminding us to go back home, we’d have no problem continuing till dawn.
Looking back, I realize that this was not just a game we played, it was an art of life that
was equipping us with soft skills that would come in handy later in life. Playing together
deepened our relationships and encouraged unity despite our different family
backgrounds. Some days it was bitter sweet because of the fights that came up but by
the next day, we’d have to bury the hatchet. This instilled a spirit of forgiveness and
conflict resolution skills.
Additionally, playing Kwepena together was a form of networking that I didn’t register in
my little mind but now it makes sense. The kids played together, the parents somehow
became friends too and if either needed help, there was good ground to start.
Sometimes when the bills of adulting and its responsibilities call on me too loudly, I
reminisce about the days when I jumped and moved my body to dodge a ball without a
care in the world. It’s a reminder to unclench my jaw, loosen my shoulders and do what
makes me happy!
By Pearl Denise Agasha
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