The fisherman and the carpenter

When I rise in the morning and when retiring at night, I praise Maawu. I praise her with my mouth; honour him with libation.
On my behalf, Maawu tells Nsho to give me red snappers and giant tuna. That which I cannot control, listens to the voice of Maawu and my net is filled.

But I have caught my last red snapper
My last giant tuna.
This afternoon
For the final time
I sat by Sango lagoon.

Beloved nephew
You and I both know
I have eaten my last Kpokpoe.
Blest and beautiful Teshi
I have danced my last Kpashimo

I praise Maawu
From Nshobulemo
To Sesebumo.
For deliverance from hunger
Our yearly festival called Homowo.

Praise Maawu always, beloved nephew.
And you will continue to create things of beauty and usefulness,
As my nets have never been empty.
Give thanks and praise continuously.
Then Abomsam cannot trouble you.

Beloved nephew
Master carpenter
Thank you for my final bed
Shaped like a boat.
Now I can sail from here
Continue to fish
To row, to bob, to float
To float on some other Nsho
Only Maawu knows where
Time to go Master Carpenter
Time to sail from here.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY PAMBAZUKA NEWS

* © Natty Mark Samuels, 2010
* Natty Mark Samuels is a poet based in Oxford.
* Please send comments to [email protected] or comment online at Pambazuka News.

NOTES
Homowo: Annual harvest festival
Nsho: Sea
Maawu: God
Kpashimo: Festival street parade/dance
Kpokpoe: Festival meal
Abomsam: Devil
Nsho Bulemo: A preliminary ceremony of festival
Sesebumo: Final ceremony of Teshi Homowo festival
Teshi: Ga town