The Portrait of My Hero

Shawaï! Born struggling for bread and butter on the way to the barren land Where Adama’s warriors settled like saviors with Fulani to spread the Nation And implant Fulani’s mingled tradition burying indigenous cultures with the edge of Their swords and the spade of convincing myths, with detriment to the creed. Born to bear the burdens of his family, his name and awe-inspiring personality. Of middle height, not light, a grave face oft-changing, tranquil in prayers And meditation but on meeting all and sundry walking slowly, but lively He neither cared about the foes howling like bees each striving to strike hard Nor was he involved in the poor scratching of the stars to foretell the Unknown. Keen on reading the Book he inspired fears and demanded reverence Hardworking he chose to be a shepherd, a laborer, a teacher, a retired believer Grinding his beads too, and working on the farm, and opposing Injustice whenever need be, keeping the family tie and mending the nations Patches refusing abuses of power and declining the rich men tendency to Rule the laws, he stood firmly against the excesses and in working he passed Away.