In a community surrounded by hills and lakes, lived a young girl named Awiti. Awiti was a tribute to the tears and prayers her parents had to endure before they had her. She was born after the loss of many.
Awiti loved to dance and every step made by her feet on the ground matched the waves in the lake and the swaying grass blown by the breeze.
Her dance steps were however covered in doubt. The other children, caught up in their dance, seemed not to notice her graceful steps. Every time she lifted her feet she overheard the other children whisper that she seemed strange and that her steps were not as colorful as theirs. So she started avoiding dancing whenever she was around the other kids, afraid her steps were not good enough.
One day, under the shade of a guava tree, her grandmother Akinyi noticed the pain that covered her face and tried to find out the cause of her frustrations.”Osiepa, why do you look so troubled?” Awiti, hesitantly playing with the beaded bracelet on her wrist, replied.
“Dani the other children, they dance around me like I don’t exist. Like I don’t matter and treat me like I am not deserving of the spotlight. Dani, do you find how I dance weird?”
Akinyi, smiling, moved closer to her and took her hand. “Awiti, I think you are a beautiful dancer my child. Rejection Osiep chunya is normal. Not everyone will like you or what you do in this life. It does not define your dance or who you are as a person. It only changes the path and shapes the steps you will have to take moving forward. And I will need you to always remember these words everytime you feel doubtful of your abilities or who you are.
You, my child, are a vessel through which the spirits speak. Others may not see it right now, but they will soon understand that you, are a treasure waiting to be discovered by those who truly see the value in your dance.”
At the next community gathering, grandmother Akinyi, determined to help her rediscover her confidence , stood up and called out to Awiti.”My beautiful daughter, Osiep Chunya, with steps that tell the stories of my forefathers. Please join me for a dance and allow our ancestors to guide us.” Awiti, even though hesitant, joined her, and they started dancing.
She stepped lightly into the ground, barefoot, as if the land were sacred, twirling and jumping into the air while swaying her arms. Each step a tribute to the people that once graced this life.
A silent dance with a flow known only to a person, in harmony with the secrets of nature.
Enchanted by the beauty in her dance, the villagers joined in the joyful celebration, dancing while embracing their differences. As a result, Akinyi’s words were passed down through generations, encouraging children to embrace and love their unique talents. Every step, no matter how small, brings a unique shine to life.
PIECESBYRUTH 