Greetings!
On today's afternoon (Sunday afternoon), the sun was so intense, burning like it was experiencing its last day—like it had just today to shine, and once today was gone, nothing else. I was seated outside, taking in the fresh breeze because the heat inside was excessive. While sitting in my spot, a neighbor brought out a shirt to wash, and we started chatting about the intensity of the sun. With my shirtless body, I decided to step into the sun to check on the few clothes I had hung out, and oh my! The way the sun slapped my shirtless body, it felt as if I had been thrown into the fiery furnace in the Bible—the one Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into. When I came out, what escaped from my mouth was, "This sun can burn clothes hung on it!" My neighbor burst into laughter and agreed with me. At that moment, I began to sympathize with the clothes on the line because they were truly in a hellfire. If they were human, they would surely be crying. This is the kind of sun that can bleach clothes.
This is the kind of weather we've been experiencing for about two months. The weather that was once rainy, when we were begging for the rain to stop so we could work maximally, has now flipped. We are now begging the sun to stop—or at least reduce its intensity—so it doesn’t feel like hellfire.
For about two months, I’ve been watering the plants in my garden to keep them from dying off. Yet, even with my effort, whenever I walk into the garden in the blazing hot afternoon, the plants appear as though they’re already dead. That tells you how intense the sun has been. I’ve been feeling sorry for the plants because I can only imagine the heat they’re enduring, standing under the sun every single day. Someone might argue that it’s photosynthesis for them, but trust me, this is far beyond photosynthesis. This is outright suffering.
It’s no longer funny; all of us have been complaining about the hot weather during this period of the year, especially in Africa. This is something we are used to experiencing every year-end, yet we still complain about it, just like how we complain about excess rainfall when it comes.
How am I coping with the harsh weather?
To be very honest, this is a season I dislike. It makes my body uncomfortable with all the heat, sweat, and roughness of the skin. I love cold weather so much more.
One way I’ve been surviving this harsh weather is by no longer working under the sun, unlike the days when I was at home, going to the farm, or hustling in jobs that required being outdoors.
Whenever this season comes, I find myself visiting the bathroom frequently, and I try as much as possible to expose my body to reduce the heat. Oh yes, I don’t go out. I usually stay within my vicinity, where keeping my body open is not a crime.
Thanks for reading.
This is my entry to Hiveghana prompt of the week
Photos are mine
