Agoloso Presents - Atondido Stories Agoloso Presents - Songs of Anisha | Page 53

Songs of Anisha “The Flight of a Minstrel,” by Al-kasim Abdulkadir I am a minstrel fleeing across The sahel to join the sahara Where the shrubs and trees have taken flight. First I shall take a bite of Gurasa And take a rest by the Badala of Kano Dala’s homestead of once upon famed hunters. But, Masar Bauchi beckons I scurry faster than vanished elephants That roamed the plains, trampling hamlets of dreams. The Dogari’s gown of a thousand colours Detains me in a spell, the horses glide by Of hoofs adorned in silver, Zazzau why have you Banished daughters of a gallant woman from the Majesty of your Durbar? I shall learn… The secrets of life at Gobarau In Katsinan Dikko, I shall sip from the brook of wisdom. In Kabi, Kebbi of Kanta, Kanta Commander of Shongai Argungu here I come, but I shall dance To the rhythmic thumping Of pestles on millet at Ambursa. Argungu permit me call the biggest fish in Rima. Here, water gourds obey Kings Konta Gora the King said, And now I beseech my thirst to Pay obeisance to my fetch from Rijiyan Nagwamatse. I am a minstrel fleeing across The sahel to join the sahara Where the shrubs and trees have taken flight. 51