African Boy

I remember being young
hiding behind a sofa
listening to very grown up stories
ancient stories, strange stories from the past
Of broken promises, stories of war
and witchcraft in the village
rumors of beasts that are still owed by some ancient kraal
a kraal whose people seem to have disappeared
from the face of the Earth
Stories of mysterious illness...
I was young but i could feel Deaths heavy and dark
footstep approaching and dimming the candle light
with His shadow
I could see Him conquering whole lineages
long before our fathers...

All the while, the language of my people
filled the room, consuming my mind with images
 that have followed me right through my existence
thus far!

Ancient quarrels persist and bellow
through a cold and mellow evening
Fear cannot leave your home
because it hates being alone
So Fear pretends to fly out the window
with your angry voice
All the while it is hiding in the dark corners
of your house
Slowly bringing Structure to the ground
All the while,
It is slowly positioning itself in a child
who hides and listens behind your sofa !
Now, you have become The One
who sits there speaking an ancient tongue
that insists on continuing
even long after you are gone

LET IT GO.

Reviews

[itai]

Thank you so much for you appreciation.I appreciate YOU!

[Yellow Butterfly]

"I was young but i could feel Deaths heavy and dark
footstep approaching and dimming the candle light
with His shadow" - itai

Unimaginable thoughts for a child to have to have endeavored such memories from a childhood that I'm sure was overshadowed with happier times. Fear is a dreadful thing even for a child to experience.

Thank you for sharing :O)