Take magic snuff, potent beer
Boosts a warrior’s courage, know no fear,
Anticipation grows, a new day dawns
Battle formation, fighting bull buffalo horns.
Hard wood clubs, shields of hide,
Never retreat in battle, a warrior’s pride.
Spears drum on shields, again and again
Echoes like a thousand railroad trains.
Red-eyed battle lust, about to begin
Sunlight reflects off oiled black skin.
Battlefield strewn dying and screaming
See the blood-tipped spear points gleaming.
A wife given, six head of cattle
Reward for bravery in battle.
Lines of warriors stamp and sing
Spears point to heaven, pay homage to their king.
Geoff Clay, Bishop Auckland