OKOMA When trees yet drip dew And women called wards from the watch of the moon When elders roasted dry figs on the communal hut And sang songs to the accompaniment of folk tales These drums beat tunes for the dance of warriors And men who were men danced in the arena As virgins splash warriors in powdery victory These were the drums that launched Okonkow of Umufia to stardom! It was these same drums Amalinze the cat answered Sending the name Achebe to reverberate in the anals of time Maho of Ubio Enyi of Ubeta- Ele Ekpeye may frown at my thoughts, but Yes,Yes even them in their own time were men They answered when these drums called Those were days when men carried their own loads on their own heads- Isiburu ekpeeri the crab, Answered these drums And Elechi Amadi, that inscrutable masquarade Had his name entered in the halls of greatmen. Today, I sound these drums for Humphrey Ogu, These drums I beat for the son whose cords Lie buried int the same earth as mine I hear you answer the call of the drums I know, I know you shall beat your chest someday And virgins fresher than virgins Shall shower your shoulders in powdery victory!
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 16:13:34 +0000
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