My Roots

My Roots As dark as charcoal-as dark as rich soil of Africa - Is the core of my traditional and beliefs – it’s obscure Knowing that deep beneath my skin, soul and spirit is hidden the lineage My unborn children and the forgotten ancestors–I cry and search for The battle between my ancestors and my offspring is exploding within my soul Ancestors are battling and asking –will your children remember us, our names Pardon me, your seer of spirits and custodian of our culture–chant to ancestors I beg you to utter to this generation the ancient path to our ancestors You that lay beneath my skin – you that runs in my veins Speak to me grandfathers, how did express love to your wife Grandfather what was the root of your faith and how did you pray - Before the white man told you who your God should be – please initiate me It will be outrageous if my children will perform rituals to the god of this modernization Grandfather what was your secret of longevity–this generation is perishing prematurely What was the root of your morals and how did you humble yourself before your architect Did you also share the calabash of good traditional wine to your neighbors because - I live in a greedy and selfish generation, who would even poison their neighbor to get everything I beg you; you bear of children-utter to this generation the ancient path to our ancestors Our roots will not revive or remembers themselves – unless we chant them Who cares in this careless age – no roots just rotten, no fears just fictions – I care so much of my roots, traditions, beliefs – so I dig deep within so I may feel related again Your children will not remember you if do not teach them to value your roots and beliefs Sit around the fire, sit around the dinner table, tell them your roots, your identity and your pride I can hear my father, grandfather and great grandfather saying my son certain things are worth not forgotten – they are like tree leaves and roots that will heal your running stomach It is a taboo to ignore what will sustain your society morality, values, ethics and beliefs I beg you; you bear of children-utter to this generation the ancient path to our ancestors By Anthony Ngabwe (Tony The Poet)@2015