The Dotted Semibreve

When you get to the king’s palace My brother Whenever you get the chance to sit and dine with the king Do not raise your shoulders so high, So high above the level of your head Do not ask him for too many favors Do not stir up old quarrels Never should you reflect upon the past bone of contention; Remember all those who helped you- Those who introduced you to the king And his cohorts Do not eat hastily Nor drink noisily In the presence of the princes Uphold your beautiful, courageous character; Do not deflower the young princess there Do not stand or leave the presence of the king With crumpled shirts or an unkempt bow-tie Many lives have been lost before you gained acceptance And recognition to stay in that glamorous palace- It sounds though like Pyrrhic victory in my ears: Our gains do not outweigh our losses. May we sing the glad song of Moses? I shall be consoled by the long stretch Of the dotted semibreve. Written by Ebenezer K N Baiden- Amissah P O Box LG 1254, Legon, Accra. Telephone 0245310380/0201257024