Poet's Curse
Grandpa called us all
Sons and daughters of the old lion
To the cave of the great tiger
His father
Like Jacob meeting his Israelite sons
He gathered us all
As we sat at his feet and listened
To words springing from an ancient pond
Grandpa blessed his grands
With Wealth
With Marriage
With Victory
With Laughter
Everyone was smiling
I was also smiling
Til he called my name
Like he usually ended his long speeches
My son, we all knew he meant me
Not my his in laws
Not even his sons my mum's brothers
My son, he would call three times as i responded on each call
I will not bless you
Grandpa announced
Guilt of whatever i had done possessed me
For you i will curse
My old friend affirmed
Your tongue will utter destiny
His curses begun like the rise of locusts
Your years will be more than mine
And your battles more
Till you slay the monster i never saw
Your thoughts will flow like the great river
Your fingers will write
All the wisdom and wit of your ancestors;
Words for nations and generations
Your zeal will be your meal
For you I can never bless
Which beast blesses a fellow beast
The great tiger never blessed the ancient lion
You i will never bless but Curse you with all my strength
For a curse is stronger than a blessing
You are cursed my son
To dream for nations
To think for more than you can handle
To yield than you can sow
For in this curse i hide my blessings
For you son
Go with your curse
For you should never see the lion again
Then grandpa died
Leaving me cursed
As i am now
Copyright © Muhereza Rodgers Roger | Year Posted 2013
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