Katchikali

Katchikali

What magic spells

held the first men,

wandering in darkness

heads bowed, to draw

breath, refuge from toil

and say

This is our home

Katchikali

and the crocodiles

of another world

under your waters

tame as pumpkins

Katchikali

Katchikali, Katchikali

The women weight-drowned

towards the farms bend

their knees and say a prayer

Katchikali

Lovers under a fertile moon

pray for their children

Katchikali

And the crocodiles, watchful

older than fossils

which kiss the heels of children

Katchikali

and men string as Baobabs

press-ganged to clear your

dense embraces

the sweat of fear on their faces

plead with every fateful stroke

‘It is not I who destroys you

It is not I Katchikali

but those who would ignore your mystery.’

Katchikali, Katchikali

Bring me children

That I may show my face

In the village market

I the daughter of despair.

Dr Lenrie Peters