Kalengo Prelude

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Near ancient Eden’s lay,
a land midst glorious nature
Here, Mankind’s fate, they say,
saw light in past days pure

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Enshrined in tender pasture
a village lived quietly
Days of life were sure
spared from woe and fury

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But one day, men so mighty
ended this gentle time
Let me tell you the story
of this one day in rime...

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The end of night is near
silence is still reigning
Along old trees so dear
rags of fog are fading

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Called for by each being
the dawn so desired
Sends stings of light shining
awakes voices inspired

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Birds, their chests coloured,
announce with strident chant
Birth of a day — unfavoured —
above the village plant

 

 

There suddenly they stand!
men in arms from nowhere
Flaming torchs in their hand
— their dear vengeance is there!

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Soon a grim burning glare 
the straw roofs is consuming
No innocent would dare
to quench these fumes raging!

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So all must fast go fleeing
— woman, child in tears
Into dark woods surrounding
that inspired ancient fears

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The village they held dear
has perished in the mayhem
Will they find far or near
a place welcoming them?

 

 

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Their hearts filled with grief,
their eyes weeping wet,
Can’t grasp the sad belief 
their homes are lost yet

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Who will bring relief 
to all these souls bare?
The taste of bread’s leaf
a kind word, some care?

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After war’s evil flare,
they wander in vain
Searching better fare,
hiding us their pain

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But, on this long road
they notice a sign 
Written clear and broad

in a language — mine:

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“Go in a straight line 
across these hills mild:
You’ll find a place fine,
a school for your child”

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Thus, the group of exiled
casts away despair’s rope
Now has fate again smiled,
giving them wings of hope

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Hastening to this place,
the children run for first
Eager to win the race,
enjoying a new thirst!

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As to adorn this chase,
filled with such good intent,
A rejoiced youthful face
welcomes them in the end

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The promise that was meant
to uplift destinies
As a truthful sign sent
fulfilled all its duties:

 

 

There is, indeed, a school !
Modest, clean and tidy
A big tree, a small pool
with frogs shy and tiny

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The kids are welcomed warmly
by teachers, by their peers,
What an embrace, so friendly,
all those kind hugs and cheers!

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Forgetting all past tears,
they join the class and play
— No more scared by fears —
joyful games of that day !

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Above them, so high away,
a pale dove draws its trail...
Crossing the sky, as to say:
Peace unto Earth — it’s so frail!

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I did not want to please, 
simply told you a story
We who live in great ease,
must fulfil this, our duty:

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Can’t we — across all seas,
with all goodwill helping, 
Make our wounds’ pain to cease,
build worlds kinder and caring?

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Who lives in poverty, 
who needs our help to stand:
Build up his dignity,
Reach out your helping hand !

 

Dimitri Arnauts

15 October 2014

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