In the shade of the big Mukuyu tree

On the slope facing the fading sun

Lulled by the soothing sound

Of the nearby stream

As its waters rushed

Over the unyielding rocks

Relentless on its way

To the distant, distant, Ocean

He sat alone, carefree, and free

Alone, but not for long

Free, but not for long

Unbeknown

The raiders crept up on him

Like the thieves they were

Their stealth a practiced art

Their greed matched only

By their boundless cruelty

Fuelled by avarice, and superior arms

And outnumbered and outwitted

He soon was captured

Alone, no more

Free, no more

 

He joined the long line

Of African slaves

All black

Men and women

And children too

Their bodies together chained

Their souls a meld of anguish and sorrow

On their relentless journey

To the distant, distant, Ocean

Alone, no more

Free, no more

 

And as sure as the sun sunk in the west

As if in surrender, fiery surrender

So too did their spirits sink

As the bone tired marchers

Helpless and hopeless

Choiceless and voiceless

Weary, bleary, and teary eyed

Moaned and groaned

As the terrible truth, finally sunk in

That yes, they were truly

Free, no more