Home » Poems » Shadow Hamilton » The Initiation

The Initiation

It had come, at last, today was the day
you see, it was full moon and that meant
it was time for the initiation ceremony
over the next week Mambo would complete tasks

Then he would become a man able to join hunts
to eventually take a wife and start a family
so much rested on these tasks that he fretted
he knew as the chief's son they would be hazardous

He had done his bathing and time of reflection
now he sat waiting for the elders to fetch him
dressed in his finest ceremony skins, weapons ready
he stood proud and tall as he followed them

He was taken to the heart of the circle
the witch doctor did a dance around him
then the elders spoke to him giving tasks
the first said "I live where the sun rises,

Look to the east as the sun rises to find me"
a bit puzzled he sent of to the east
settling down for the night weapons close
he was awake before dawn he turned east

As the sun and shadows receded it came into view
an old tower long since abandoned  left to crumble
when he approached an old man came out of a hut
"You must be Mambo he" said. "Your task here a snake"

It is a female monster who is scaring my people
catch it and take it with you for your next task
he set up bait to tempt it close. Patiently he waited
as it slithered into view he played his wood pipe.

Hypnotised by the music he loaded it into a cart
returning to the elder he asked what to do next
you must head towards the setting sun. There is a lake.
In the lake an island release the snake there alive.

The journey long and hazardous as he pulled the heavy cart
after many miles of fighting of predators he arrived
and waded with great difficulty to the lakes island
once there he released the snake scared by the tremors

The snake shot up the hill and entered a cave
now the reason for the tremors became apparent
this was the mighty evil fire dragon's lair
in clouds of fire and smoke they fought

At last after a battle most royal the snake won
beneath where he had laid there was a note
it was from his father saying well done son
You have one more task travel now northwards


When you reach the shores of the red lake
look for an object that lives in water and on land
when you find the one with the cross of purple
bring it here to me. Puzzled to the meaning of it

Mambo set off. It was a 5 day journey with wonders
scattered on the way. Vegetation  and animals that
he had never seen before. Strange looking people
that never came close fleeing when they saw him.

At the red lake Mambo searched and searched
he tried to work out the riddle with no luck
giving up at dark he settled for the night
in the early rays of dawn he felt a nip

There was a cheeky crab trying to snack on his toe
it dawned on him suddenly, a crab, it was a crab 
lives both in water and on the land now to find it
walking quietly around the lake he spotted a heap

There on the top was an enormous crab purple cross
on its back. He wrestled with it, at last getting it
bound. Now safe from its claws he loaded it into the cart
making his way back to his village strong and so proud

He arrived to be feted and the witch doctor danced
singing of his achievements and proclaiming that
Mambo was a man now to take up his role on the council
There was much feasting and merry making to welcome him

As time went on in its in veritable way
so came the time for Mambo to rule
He had learned well from his wise father
and reigned well respected for many years

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.