SPIRITS OF BORNEO

rituals, reverence, tribal

Rich crude blood, rituals, sacrifice

reverence, spirits, effigies.

Tribal clans inhabit the highlands of Borneo.

Houses on stilts, rest in muddy earth,

carved of wood gathered by men in thick jungle.

Elaborate emblems, rich in color, unique shapes

bespeaks of reverence and family wealth,

displayed with power and pride.

Water buffalo, arduous labor, respect,

nourish the indigenous tribes

with their slaughter and sacrifice

for the death of one's master.

Celebration of diseased, extinction.

Slice the beast's neck with a sharp polished knife,

whose owner has met his fate.

Blood splatters in waves, guts spray out

over those who butcher.

Mobs roar in honor of the dead

as the buffalo descends to the mud earth.

Dissected into numerous pieces,

dripping blood head is bestowed

to the revered family.

Mobs cheer and pause

in expectation of their pickings.

When blood settles

families trek up steep boulders

deep crevices, fallen rock

to seek hidden caves, plant their effigies.

Sculpted wooden figures portray family members

who dwell for eternity,

as the soul is the principle of life and health

and exists apart from material objects.

Reviews

[alanwgraham]

Very good Betty. In these troubled times it's most vital for us to understand how we all once lived in balance with the earth. Of course our world is a different place now but we still need to respect these people's.
Food for thought.
Regards.
Alan

[Lea Sheryn]

I can close my eyes and see the scene. You have wonderful descriptive abilities.

[barleygirl]

When I saw "Borneo" in your title, first thing comes to mind is gorilla habitat. I guess I've been watching too many nature programs & not enuf about the human culture of Borneo! You really opened my eyes as to what Borneo is REALLY known for (I even googled to confirm this is a major aspect of the reputation of this island!) I love your swashbuckling way of presenting the dirt on Borneo, but I'm also reminded of the old attitude that anyone who eats meat should not be horrified by the killing of animals & most who eat meat do their killing by proxy. Growing up on a farm, we butchered big livestock, so I was enured to the ugly messy way this looks as a child. I guess I'm not really sure what point this poem is making. Maybe no point being made, just illustrating in word paint how this culture looks & feels (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[jacob erin-cilberto]

makes me think of the short story "The Lottery"---
traditions aren't always good, but often they are kept forever...just because it is what tribes or different peoples have always done, and they are afraid of repercussion from stopping the tradition.
scary...
and your poetry here is magical...almost black magical...
j.