Shawa, the Night Woman

She used to come by night when the lights were out and new babies were born. Those who had seen her described her as: A beautiful lady probably in her mid thirties with glittery eyes, neither tall nor short. Only her eyes and face could be seen for her whole body was covered in black. That’s how she came to be called Shawa, the Night Woman. Many families had already lost at least one of their newly born babies this way so whenever a baby was born whole families were in a state of great agitation and on guard taking turns during the night. It was said that although families kept watch she often managed to snatch a baby. But nobody really knew what she did with all the babies she took. The babies simply disappeared.

Now getting a glimpse of Shawa was indeed no easy matter for she not only appeared after dark but could discretely appear during the day as well any time or anywhere. She never aroused suspicion then. However, my mother said: I of all women managed to catch her I think because I suffered most when I lost my baby to her. My only focus was catching Shawa. She added: I cried bitterly and prayed everyday but I didn’t know how to do it for Shawa couldn’t be caught by force by anybody and it was like looking for a needle in a haystack to catch her by night. During the day she was like an unobtrusive piece of furniture.

My mother said in her deep distress she was declared ill and mad and was forced to be taken to a mental institution but she didn’t give up. However, in her despair she was about to kill herself when by some miracle a voice said: once you catch Shawa she will be yours all her life. She is only dangerous in the first week after you give birth. Shawa has never shown interest in babies older than one week. You can catch her by giving her the needle ie by pinning a needle to her dress. Once you manage she will serve you as long as the needle is pinned to her dress. Later her nerves were soothed and she was relieved. Finally she was released from the institution.

After that my mother was still afraid to give birth again. Then she remembered what the voice said and was expecting a new baby again. She told me: I made my own preparations for the day not only to protect you but to catch Shawa as well. I now knew how to do it and I was aware she wouldn’t be able to remove the needle herself because she was unable to see it. She then lowered her eyes, sighed and said: I had a long labour, my son and I was terribly afraid Shawa will do it again. It was the last Sunday in September, a windy day when you were born and I panicked and panicked. I decided to stay a wake for one week but then I can’t explain it for although my body was still weak from labour I was full of energy.

Shawa didn’t wait long to strike again she appeared on the first night. I didn’t see anything but heard her breathe softly and felt her soft skin. Without losing any time I gently took hold of her dress and gave her the needle. But I didn’t want to see her face so I dragged her to a room and locked the door. After one week my mother opened the door. She said: I was afraid to open the door but when I did I saw Shawa lying on the floor whining. A beautiful pale face…. but she looked down so I didn’t really see her glittery eyes. I told her aggressively I wanted my baby back. But she didn’t answer. My mother then warned: if you don’t give me my baby back I will make you my slave for ever. Some weeks passed and neighbors thought my mother had an au pair from far away.

My mother then went on: Shawa used to look after you, feed you and take you with her out until you were three years old. She was very caring and was practically more than a mother to you and I envied her. One day however, she didn’t come back and you disappeared with her. But I didn’t panic again because I knew she wouldn’t steal a three-year-old child. Neighbors hurried to my help, we looked for you everywhere. Finally after three hours we found you left alone under a small tree. My mother thought I must have helped Shawa to remove the needle.

Jamshid
Bremen, 12 June 2007

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