Barbara Peterson
The daughter
My brother hastens from the refuge of the family
To slay a lion
Spear the killer elephant that lurks; marauding
The drummers hearten him with thundering beats
He goes with praise and blessing; arrows and seeds may recklessly fly
He wears a bold face, but resignation rests
in his eyes
is it in love
or acquiescence
he goes
I stay enclosed
Harboured
So as not to become prey to the will of such as he
I stay to keep the blood pure
Awaiting the one chosen for me
That the children whose promise lies within me
May one day gather round the old
Applaud their tenacity
reward their sacrifice
pity their weakness
In my face submission rests. But my eyes also
flash boldly
is it in love
or acquiescence
I stay
Page(s) 16
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