Walking Backwards

Blest the bygone days of sweet remembrance,
When childhood was innocence indeed.
Moonlit nights were songs and dances
And New Year treats were ‘alewa’.
Colourful tongues told the story.

Read: Village Boy Impressions - Folktales

The days when pito was the drink,
And we only ate to quell hunger,
A large protruding belly was our goal
And the oily mouth, an envious sight.
Only fun, food and friends mattered.

Our teachers still taught us manners and prayers 

And learning was its own reward 

A holy curiosity to discover the secrets

Of our environment drove us on

To outshine the other in class was the prize.

Read: Village Boy Impressions - The Days of Bliss

In homes were heard loud rolling laughters,

Guests were welcomed with genuine smiles,

In happiness, we celebrated all successes

Burrying in sorrow and tears, our friends

And aiding freely and willingly, those in need.

But what do we have here now?

An unchained ‘modernity’ of madness

Where common sense is daily murdered,

Gentleness is abused and exploited,

Thievery by day is the new gallantry.

Read: Village Boy Impressions - 6th of March

Here, debauchery is the admired neighbour,

Sexual dexterity is a high school certificate,

Intoxication by herb or gin is the new cool,

Decency in speech or dress is stone age.

Charity was buried with our fathers years ago….

But Avarice, his step uncle’s half-sister’s deranged son lives on….

alewa