Saturday, December 4, 2010

Polygamy

Ballet Raices de Colombia, Harbourfront, Toronto

    At fourteen, Delbar became the second wife of a man whose first wife could not have children. They lived together in the same house. The women became best friends.  
    When two boys were born to Delbar, the first wife became like a mother to them. It was her who would wake up in the middle of the night to hug, kiss and comfort the crying baby.
    Ten years later when the husband suddenly died, the two wives became like sisters. They continued living together. No man would marry the young widow whose children were old enough to remember their father because they might cause the new husband trouble.
    Delbar had to go work to support the family. The first wife stayed at home to take care of the children. The children adored her. They called her "mother." They never called Delbar "mother."
    Delbar is very happy.