A Man on The Road

By Dr. Michael Dassama

This is an illustrative account of the inner struggle of man from birth to death, in retrospect of desire to achieve the optimum goal of life; which could either be beautiful, ugly, hard, soft, compromising and unpredictable within the whims of time. If destiny is to determine failures and successes in our human endeavour then, what part does pe

• Language: English
• Publisher: Smart Ribbon Press LLC
• Release date: May 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781959261193

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INTRODUCTION

This is an illustrative account of the inner struggle of man from birth to death, in retrospect of desire to achieve the optimum goal of life; which could either be beautiful, ugly, hard, soft, compromising and unpredictable within the whims of time. If destiny is to determine failures and successes in our human endeavour then, what part does personal efforts and determinism be considered as our human deliberation.

‘A MAN ON THE ROAD’, presents an argument which is intended to examine what is to be considered as, effort related achievement on the basis of positive self application and destiny oriented. The road map for the main character of this novel, stem from obscurity to uncertainty driven by share personal ambition and egoism which finally culminates into security of life thus breaking the adverse chains of poverty, deprivation, social exclusion and shame.

If life is to be so unkind and hostile for certain class of people who could be considered as, being marginalised and helpless, should the need for self application be of essence within predestination? Excluding theological aspects of the journey of life what needs to be looked at, from the practicality of life is whether ‘destiny’ has any role in the political and socio-economic development of man.

The principal character of this book, accept the challenges of going beyond the corridor of predestination to present a fascinating picture about the reality of life, creating a pool of rethink concerning personal application towards the struggle of existence, and the effortless or negative attitude of not doing anything to improve upon it’s challenges. To reside to the ethos of destiny as a way of life without any rational or objective approach, is to deny oneself, the potential or ability of self application to confrontational situation.

Characters and events in this novel, have been put together by mere imagination in an attempt to present a vivid story about the struggle of life which is always posing a threats to man. Although characters and events are fictional yet, the story is a reality of life which unquestionably becomes a reflection of our human challenges.

CHAPTER ONE

The festival of the gods and goddesses of Yanu was fast approaching and as such, every able body male and female of the kingdom of Yanu were preparing themselves, for the occasion which will be celebrated in grand-style with plenty of food, drinks and lavished gifts for the king and elders. During this unique occasion, men of extreme social status and powerful economic affluent, takes titles which rank them as important personalities of the kingdom of Yanu.

As the evening was getting nearer, the local announcer of the kingdom took to the street and announced to the people that, the festival was going to commence within two market weeks to which he cautioned against failure to attend. He also reminded the people about dress regulation, which must be strictly adhere to. As Muran listened to the bellowing voice of the news vendor, he began to contemplate introspectively about his inability to grace the occasion due to the low social status of his family background which according to the tradition of the kingdom of Yanu, do not have any respectable place in society.

The more he thinks about his family backwardness, the more he became resentful of the social classification that establishes such abhorrent vicious circle of human predicaments. If God created us equally in his own image then why is it that such imbalances and depravity exist within the ranks and file of mankind he asked. At this point Muran began to introspect, people whom he knew before to have got nothing, were now the celebrities of the Yanu festival. What sort of magical powers their gods possessed that our ancestors do not have? He asked.

The atmosphere suddenly changed with dark clouds and heavy thunder storm with lightening followed by, heavy pour of rain that lasted through out the night. Standing close to the wooden window, Muran heard a knock at the door and went straight to see who the unexpected visitor could be which, to his greatest surprised was his girl friend Yatoon. You must be mad to have come all the way to this place under such terrible, and frightening weather condition Said Muran.

If love is to be pure then, it must be devoid of fear and doubts at any price even death itself’ Yatoon remarked. What a wonderful philosophy you have got provided, the rest of society sees life the way you do replied Muran. As the talking continued his Dad who was in the next room suddenly shouted at him to keep quiet. At this point, all conversations between the two lovers were channelled in low tune to avoid further embarrassment.

The gods are not in my favour and neither on our side because I am very poor and therefore, could not be able to meet the cost of your bride price even if I may sell myself into perpetual slavery. Our culture demands only rich men to have the taste of the freshness of female virginity. A destitute like myself, clustered with the aroma of abject poverty and social degradation, any attempt on you irrespective of your philosophy of love, will be a fatality. Therefore, for your own interest and the interest of our tradition, I would like us to say goodbye to each other this night, with a promise that you do not see me again or worst to visit me.

Are you a real man with conscience, and with the power of masculinity that could challenge and defend the sweetest gift of life which God almighty, had bestowed upon? In a terrible state of fury, she quickly glided out of Muran’s room under the pouring rain storm and within seconds, was out of sight. As he stood lifelessly looking through the darkness as if, to say please come back, a guilty conscience engulfed him with total shame and self pity.

What have I done to myself’ he asked: to be a true man of valour one has to be able to, withstand pressure of temptation no matter the outcome. Although I may be seen to be egocentric yet, the price of determination is willingness to act without remorse. It is better to cry in secret over issues that affects one’s life, than to do so in public where greater pain could be felt due to the negative perceptions such act could evoked. If this is how things are going to be then, let it be and goodbye. He then lucked his door and went to bed only to weak up in the morning looking very robust.

CHAPTER TWO

On the way to help his father on the farm, Muran met Zabu the only village hunter coming from the bush with a dead monkey hanging behind his back. As they exchange greetings, Zabu told him about the man who will be coming from the city to ask Yatoon’s hands in marriage. This gentleman, we made to understand is a capitalist with many companies and has promised to build schools, hospitals, net work of roads and water supply which at the present moment are basic essentials needed in this kingdom.

What a gentleman this individual is if only, his sweet promises, will be of reality to us all. What do you mean by ‘reality to us all’ Muran said Zabu? As you can see my friend, image and reality are not the same. At times what people say when the need certain favour, could be different from what they do when the favour is granted. I still do not understand or follow the trend of your argument Muran. You seems to be sweeping across many fields at one go, which is not too good for your health Muran especially when the entire kingdom are rejoicing over the pledges of chief Abo to we the people of Yanu.

If you think of playing games with me over the marital proposal made to yatoon by Chief Abo, you should be realistic of the fact that, I do not countenance triviality such as this, no matter how radiant it sounds or appealing to the ear. What I do know is that, Yatoon is now in the past for me and therefore, whosoever she decides to marry that should be the concern of her parents not me ok. I like your courage my friend and I wish I could be all that brave as you are. By virtue of your hunting ability, I can see a man of courage and bravery standing before me in conversation. Don’t flatter me Muran said his friend Zabu. I am not flattering you but rather, it is the basic truth giving the circumstances of your adventure in confronting animals in the forest, the evidence of which is displayed before my very eye. This remark made Zabu very pleased and said to Muran, that no distance will be too great between himself and Yatoon and that a day will come when both shall be husband and wife. Thanks for the prediction but for me, there is no longer that marital tomorrow between us because, she is now a total ‘history’ to me.

As the two friends shook hands to go their different ways, Muran’s father came along with bitter face and, confronted the hunter with a barrage of accusation relating to his bad influence on his son. I know your family very well in this kingdom he said, of being nothing but trouble to other families as a result of your snaky behaviour. If you do not stop your relationship with my son, you will regret whatever consequences to follow. Your instruction will be obeyed at all cost and I promised to distant myself from your son said Zabu as he began to walk away.

Have I not been warning you to refrain from that riff-raff bellowed his father, who was viciously grabbing him by the neck almost suffocating him; you most be a man with the ability to know what is good, evil, pretentious and above all flattery.

Your repetition around this kingdom is not, impressive in comparison with your contemporaries, who have all been successful and well established businessmen in the big cities of the world. Although, I am not as rich and affluent as the rest of the other families yet, I was able through my farming to send you to school which without any fault of mine, you failed to complete high school and since then, you have been nothing but a useless perambulator, systemic failure and deep disappointment to this family. Every day I looked at your ugly face more than myself, I wander as to which way gods of our ancestors are that I am unable to reach them for help. You for instance, were supposed to have been in the farm to help with the planting but instead, you choose to find yourself a place of reckless assignation for foolish and long burring discussions with another failure like Zabu. It is highly essential to start thinking about your miserable and reckless way of life, and try to improve yourself, before it is too late said his father.

The success of life, is not only located in one dimension, but in several areas which our human talents could be capable of exploring with time. What I meant to say to you father said Muran is simply, for you to note that: success is not only measured within the field of education because, a person could even be successful in the areas of farming, driving, singing, dancing, tailoring, and selling of vegetables including other food stuff.

At times I am perplexed about your approach to life. Your confused ideology is surely going to pull you down son, if you still remain stuck in the pool of stagnation and mental disease. Your problem as I have been observing is that, your ability to think very fast is inconceivable to the reality of life: until and unless you step ahead of your foolish ideology of life, relegation to the backdrop of society will be inseparable from you.

You seems to have forgotten something father in connection with, what you told me before about predestination, that no matter our human efforts being applied to achieving a goal if it is not, within the confine of destiny, it couldn’t be achieve. Papa Adodo brushing aside this question, said to his son: I know the coming festival will be spectacular especially with all the young beautiful girls that will be gracing the occasion to which, I expect your undivided attendance. Certainly so father replied Muran who at this time, was becoming bored by twigging his face in an awaked manner which ultimately made his father to laugh. I can see that you are tired and need some rest my son therefore, go home. Tell your mother that, I have gone to see my junior brother Akuja and shall be back shortly. Muran was not too pleased at the way in which his father dismissed him and so he said: Father, you didn’t even know my schedule because I do not have the intention to go home just yet and beside, I was coming from the house to the farm when unfortunately I was intercepted by both of you. Whom are you referring to as ‘both’ of you? Muran replied to have meant, Zabu and he himself (Papa Adodo).

You do not have any schedule or time table of activities as long as, you are living under my roof or else or better still for both of us, to park your dirty things and quit my house. If you think that, manhood and maturity is about talking smart then, you overshoot the mark because it isn’t that but rather, sense of responsibility with constructive organisation and commitment to those whom you love, and cherished. Looking at you boy, there is no prospect that indicate such quality. Now listen to me very closely, you either do as I command or else, we say farewell to each other for the simple fact that ‘two he goats cannot drink from the same bucket’.

After much contemplations Muran decided to obey his father and went home where he met her mother lying on the floor, trembling with a very severe temperature. Without wasting time, he immediately called his friend the hunter, to assist him in carrying his mother to the hospital. Upon arrival, the nurse on duty ushered her for diagnostic tests and observation whilst, awaiting the arrival of the doctor on duty. Your mother has a severe temperature and her oxygen level is too low which is, a warring factor said the nurse. By the way, where is the husband I mean your father she inquired to which Muran told her that he is with his uncle. You must go and bring him here immediately because, the doctor would like his presence before he can proceed with any treatment said nurse Tundo.

When Papa Adodo arrived at the hospital with his son to see his wife Elizabeth, he couldn’t believe what he saw. He immediately asked the doctor if his wife will survive from the attack to which he was assured of possibility. However, there is a heavy cost involved which could be between seven hundred thousand to eight hundred thousand Yanuns. This is an exorbitant sum which will be difficult, to come by. Please doctor can I pay six hundred pleaded Papa Adodo. Ok you can bring the money but it must be very fast because, time is against us to save her life.

By the time Papa Adodo left the hospital, the condition of his wife became worst and by the time he returned with the money, his wife was dead.

Following traditional burial procedure, his wife was laid to rest in his compound closed to the coconut tree which the deceased planted many years ago. Amongst those who came to sympathise with the bereaved family, was Yatoon who was dressed up in the same Adodo family attire to indicate true love for the family.

After the funeral service, Muran thanks all those who came to sympathise with them and request that they stay a while for some refreshment. During this time, Yatoon had the opportunity once more, to convince Muran to love her no matter whatever the consequences may be but as usual, the request was not granted and as a result, Yatoon left the gathering never to be seen again until the day for her traditional wedding to the senior business tycoon which was celebrated in grand style atYanu.

To discourage this girl even though she has proven beyond all reasonable doubts that, she loves you not that tycoon from the city irrespective of, his glamorous social status is not a gentleman’s behaviour. Further more, if you loose this girl due to your stubbornness and nonchalant notion about ‘class’ ethos, it could be probably your last chance of coming across such beauty of this kingdom. Thanks once more for your eloquent speech and the manner in which, it was expressed with passion and dexterity. However, it is rather regrettable to inform you once and for all that, love in terms of intimacy is not in my heart for Yatoon. Your description of Yatoon’s beauty is unquestionable in fact it is absolutely tantalising but, she is not the girl for me said Muran to his friend Zabu.

Changing the topic of discussion, Zabu interrogated his friend whether, he will be at the opening ceremony and if he could be participating in the wrestling competition. I wish I could, giving the present circumstances of the death of my mother, such is not in my mind for now and many years to come said Muran. Truly, she was everything to you remarked Zabu who at this time, was beginning to regret over the question he asked his friend. I am very pleased to hear that, you will not be involved because it doesn’t worth the effort anyway, you look after yourself and see you tomorrow; thank you Zabu and you too, take care of yourself and see you later said Muran.

After Zabu had gone, Muran began to reason as why his friend should be come so concern about Yatoon, who is not even related to him and me. I believe, this friend of mine, is remarkable.

CHAPTER THREE

The Yanu festival of the goddess Yanu, of the kingdom of Yanu which every body have been expecting, and talking about is finally arrived with: drumming, dancing, and a lot of other variety show with people from all over the world who were born and bread of the kingdom. When the dignitaries began arriving, the atmosphere became electric and positively charged with excitement and exaltation to the gods whose supreme purpose, the occasion intended to glorify. The priests and goddesses of the order of Yanunee, began to take their appropriate positions in the front seating accommodation, that have been put in place by the event organizers; while the back seats were meant to be for the chiefs and the village elders including other invited guests from various parts of the country.

The palace square where the event is planned to take place, is conspicuously decorated with, colourful illuminating materials of a rainbow nature which depicts a place of, assignation for lovers in romanticism and solace. If it is being the intentions of the gods, to create such an aromatic display of opulence then, it is to be said that, such occasion deserves every reputable treatment and cordiality. The young men and women, who came from different parts of the kingdom as celebrants, were colourfully dressed with distinctive tribal symbols to indicate places of origin.

The men that came as wrestlers, from different parts of the kingdom also had different distinctive symbols to differentiate themselves, so that the spectators will know for sure, which regions of the kingdom they came to represent. It was a surprise to note that, amongst those wrestlers was the hunter, Muran’s friend who had told him, he was not going to participate. Seen his friend with every muscles and veins protruding on his oily back and chest that presents an impressive picture of masculinity, Muran became very proud of him and shouted! ‘defeat to them and victory to you Zabu’. It is at this point that, Zabu realised the presence of his friend Muran. ‘I will do just that to please you’ responded Zabu.

Before the commencement of the occasion, the king gave a brief speech in which he reminded his subjects about the purpose and aspirations of the festival to be designed for the glorification and deification of the gods and goddesses of the kingdom’s prosperities to come. He also cautioned against immorality and vandalism which could tarnish the endeavour of the event and therefore, could not be tolerated at any giving point of the festivity. He also informed them that during this time, young men and women are brought together as husbands and wives in accordance with tradition. Those who will be fortunate to take into their arms their hearts desire, should not forget to be responsible and caring he said. Returning to his seat, a thunderous standing ovation befitting royalty filled the air for several hours.

The chief priest came forward and spoke in esoteric language before the king who responded by, placing his immaculate white elephant tusk on his back as a sign of approval to commence with ritual initiation of the ceremony. The drums began to beat frantically thus, giving every competitor the zeal to win. The gods of our ancestors are watching us all therefore, you who are here to day as competitors, must play by the rules and respect each other. If you loose accept and if you win celebrate he said. With this warning, he bow down to the king and raised his staff of office which was decorated with the dry skulls of animals and human alike; and then plunged it very hard to the ground which made the entire environment, to shake violently signifying his power and the willingness of the gods for the occasion to commence.

Zabu haven won the wrestling competition, was hailed as the bravest man of the kingdom and accorded the title of ‘Dindin’ meaning the unbeatable lion. The climax of the event was, when Yatoon got married to Abo the chief tycoon who displayed the power of his wealth; by spraying money all over the place to the amazement of the audience. The event ended well and every body went to their respective places, with the vivid memory of the spectacular display of the tycoon chief who captivated every body with the exception, of Muran who was less impressed and less concerned.

CHAPTER FOUR

Two weeks following the end of the great festival, Papa Adodo took another wife that was much younger than, his son Muran. At first, things seems to be normal and cordial at home but later, situation became very rocky and unpleasant because, the step-mother couldn’t accept Muran to stay with them in the house any longer but rather suggested for him, to find alternative accommodation. Why should I leave my father’s house that was built jointly by my late mother whose place you are rather shamefully occupying in a state of disgust and anguish said Muran: A little girl like your type, should have been at home, helping your mother with certain domestics rather than, hooking yourself to a man who is suppose to have been your great grand father.

Without further exchanges, Zazu the step mother left the house and went to her parent in bitter tears. ‘What is the matter with you my daughter interrogated her mother’. As she struggles to find words to explain herself, her husband who unexpectedly made a visit to his father-in-law’s house after coming from his brother’s place, was shocked and speechless when his wife explained the circumstances that brought her where she was.

Returning to his house with his wife after haven had, a strong warning from his father-in-law concerning his son’s behaviour, Papa Adodo without any preliminary investigation, threw his son’s belongings and immediately commanded his exit from the house on his on accord or else, be evicted violently. Muran then looked at his father with tearful eyes, and slowly picked up his belongings and went to his uncle’s place.

Uncle Akuja had just returned from his farm when, he saw his nephew with few scattered belongings under his feet in a state of misery and thus, interrogated as to what could have been the reason for such despondent appearance. ‘You look very miserable young man’ said his uncle. I am very miserable and absolutely angry with your brother because, of the sort of treatment I am enduring since he married Zazu and brought her to the house responded Muran. Stop, interjected his uncle who then; went on to tell his nephew how he personally, warned his brother not to get involved with Zazu but couldn’t listen to him. Don’t worry, I will see him this evening to appeal for your return to the house ok. Thanks uncle said Muran.

Returning home that night, uncle Akuja looked at his nephew who