Babaluaiye

 

 

Do not throw water at the leopard

for he will rake your skin and lap at blood.

We walk behind him with our heads bowed.

Do not scatter seeds under the roaring sun

for the powdery ground will flower with fever.

We walk behind him with our heads bowed.

Do not look for him in his old land, his old palace,

do not look for him where the white bones grin.

We walk behind him with our heads bowed.

Disgrace and disease he has left in the dust,

and he smiles with open hands beneath his crown.

We walk behind him with our heads bowed.

Who was dirt is now king,

who was scum is now worshipped,

who brought to us the pain he brought on himself

now relieves it as he was relieved.

We walk behind him with our heads bowed.

The cool rain falls and soothes affliction,

the cool rain covers and comforts the ground.

We walk behind him with our heads bowed.

But do not throw water at the leopard

for he will rake your skin and lap at blood.

 

© 2000 Gregor Everitt