Title: EBON MAID FROM GONDAR Post by: rasashkar on October 17, 2004, 10:42:50 AM Oh ebon maid from Gondar, how I long to see thy face
To surrender into thy arms this haggard, dusky frame But here am I in the west wearing a frown; absolute stranger to life's grace Were it not so, even if, I wouldn't trade you not even for fame. The vices of the evil west have reduced me terribly, Flattened my abdomen and chest and soiled my integrity. No more am I remorseful; nay I am not conscience-pricked Subsequent to the performance of deeds evil and lewd, lowdown tricks. A slave to envy I am too, Not only to callous whites; My much have subjected to hatred's few ; Malice's depth has swallowed my heights. Thy sisters are here too- not by their self will Dying to be embossomed by some comely Ras. She whose garbs were satin is now swaddled in drill Ere was happy, now ,as sad as The morning which awake and seest not the sun Her companion with whom she spends the day So unhappy her days would certain run Until melancholy wears her away. Thy sisters are crying "Oh labour where is your reward; And do thee not offer sweet repose? Giving birth to thieves and to bastards And living a life her superior chose A life inconsistent with her culture, nature and will But a life her superior chose Those whose conscience cannot thaw what their ego chill Treacherous to both friends and foes. The glory of my locks and skin has now turn my shame How hum'rous if fish wear aught but scales and fins Non-sensical sounds have replaced my honored name Distinguishing my kin from me, me from my kin. Now toiling from sunrise to sunset much to my own hurt Then unsatisfied, unrewarded must lie me to rest; Unlike in Ethiopia when we acted with little effort And work together with sanguine zest. Oh ye domiciled in pleasure's land Let thy assistance be forthcoming, For fingers cannot touch without the aid of hand Nor lips smile when face is frowning. If there is naught you can do to be of instrument, There is aught you can do to be of comfort. List with thy ears with good intent This when done would be of much worth. Climb ye to the highest mountain peak Defying fear, gravity and nature's law When thy task is accomplished and at the pinnacle meet Consider 18:3 of Isaiah. With sister's love and brother's care shout til ye can shout no more Genuinely hoping thy bereft part would hear Shout AIZOH, AIZOH, AIZOH And this when done would be of sufficient cheer. |