Songs of Anisha
“Old World”
by Uchenna Shadrach Franklin
We were kings
when fronds decided wars
and chalk cemented peace
warriors squat about our thrones
gazing with awe as to the sun
and sipping happy chants from cold gourds
when the stars blink at dusk
we’re lulled to bed by the charmer’s flute
like royal pythons
at noon we’d sprinkle blood on our Ikenga
and pray they prosper our state
when we drowned the sugary sap
which grew in us daring minds
we’d wrap our loins in lion hides
and chant the Ikoro to war
with powdered hairs we’d spy the sky
to spot the gods behind the clouds
beckoning us to join gone folks
in the blessed land beyond
at death we’re laid under sacred trees
where chieftains and maiden lads
would hop around in ritual chants
we slept to be re-awakened
we’re immortal.
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