In a message dated 11/23/99 2:39:13 PM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< TO LENRIE PETERS

 The ponds of Katchikali
 have dried, and
 the women fetch water
 from the tears
 of the revered crocodiles

 Who cut open
 the heart
 of Katchikali?

 Who sewed up
 the eyes
 of the dove?

 Who killed
 the keeper, and
 let loose the game

 to trample
 on the farms
 at dusk?

 Who burnt
 the lone palm tree
 for soda water, and
 threw the gourd
 into the foamy waves

 as the ship sailed
 away with the cargo?

 What are these footsteps
 on the periphery
 of Fajara cemetery?

 Who cut down
 the mangroves
 to lit a bonfire
 when we don't even know
 how to dance
 the sewruba?

 from "Recollections of a Lost Century" by Hamadi Banna

*********************
l like your peotry Hamadi Banna, and meant to ask you the last ime you sent
one to the list, if your above mentioned collection is published.

Jabou








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