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
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