My drought land by Kelwyn Sole | Poems Rethabile Likes
My drought land
by Kelwyn Sole
In answer to Cavafy
My drought land slumbered away
peacefully, little changing, every winter.
But the season's turned,
we're told:
and there is no more time for songs, or
gleeful children, or heels scuffing the way
they used to when we led each other
into the dance.
* * *
For now crops planted
by the invaders unsheathe their green
knives
and unfamiliar leaves flaunt
sharp edges into a wind that preaches
unending rain
as if this were,
for us, a blessing.
* * *
The cadences of water and forgetfulness
choke the starkness that was our beauty,
the dust that once clothed us with mystery.
The barbarians - for that is what you called us –
stayed at home:
it was you who came to us,
bringing your bitter harvest.
peacefully, little changing, every winter.
But the season's turned,
we're told:
and there is no more time for songs, or
gleeful children, or heels scuffing the way
they used to when we led each other
into the dance.
* * *
For now crops planted
by the invaders unsheathe their green
knives
and unfamiliar leaves flaunt
sharp edges into a wind that preaches
unending rain
as if this were,
for us, a blessing.
* * *
The cadences of water and forgetfulness
choke the starkness that was our beauty,
the dust that once clothed us with mystery.
The barbarians - for that is what you called us –
stayed at home:
it was you who came to us,
bringing your bitter harvest.
Comments