Village boy Impressions

From the east, a golden-sun  rises proud and majestic, Shining in all brilliance and delight. His rays strike with fierce-some joy Upon the bare brown earth, with Not a cloud in the heavens to stay them. Energy gushes forth in torrents, Birds, beasts, gods, and mortals Glow with vigour and intent . The Drums sound, the flutes call, The birds chirp, the doves coo, Goats and sheep, rams and bulls Bleat and moo in joyous ecstasy. Kids and calves bray and fray  Smoke rises from cooking places. It is Feok! A hallowed day, a merry day; Bubbly with contentment and laughter. Today we drink, and we eat, We celebrate and  make merry And dance with grace and skill The rhythm of our land. Like one mighty beating heart, The land throbs with graceful steps. The hills ring with voices of song As we recall the valour and skill, The courage and strength, And the charity of our fathers, Who rose against the cowardly Babatu an d his marauding beasts; And slew an

1.  All is still and soundless As the mighty calm after a storm  The land is at rest Tired and worn out from the trampling  And stomping these last many days   From homes, to the pa lace, the market  And back to homes again with drums  Humming and buzzing all day nonstop  Horns and whistles calling from rooftops  Singing the praise of ancient warriors  Men’s blood boiling in response  And hearts throbbing with the drums  All is now spent and silent.       2.         The patter of the feet of excited children  The dainty steps of maidens  The eager stride of energetic youths  The heavy drag of grey-bearded men  The resounding trod of war dancers  And sweaty women chasing them  Round and round the marketplace  That made the land throb and tremble  All that is now still and resting.  All are wearied with aching joints  And sprained muscles sore  None is stirring.       3.         The air is thick and still Clad in  a heavy cloak of dust  Looming ov