Luo Child

One day the dead will walk this earth again

Oh Luo child, with skin so dark it glistens, 

You are beautiful.

Luo child with the moon in your hands,

You are wise.

Luo child with stardust at your feet,

You are divine.

Luo child with ancient knowledge,

Remember who you are.

You hold the secrets of the universe,

You understand the algorithm of the earth.

Luo child so happy and playful, you flourish despite.

Dance to the music of your fathers, so carefree.

Enjoy the delicious meal your mothers put in front of you

Drink life from the calabash of the gods.

Luo child so true and just,

You refuse to spectate where injustice abounds.

Luo child the pride of your tribe,

You break your mother’s heart over and over again,

Because you cower not.

Luo child, who fights for you?

They jeer and sneer, obsessed with your foreskin.

Awaken your ancestors, spirits can fight.

Luo child of a woman, I know you are tired.

Your mothers on this side up to the beginning of the family pray over you.

Our voices are loud and silent, we summon help from beyond the earth.

Luo child lying on the ground,

Your blood so precious trickles down into the soil of your forefathers,

It moistens their dry bones, It cries to them.

Luo child your mutilated body spread out in surrender,

To justice, to loyalty, to freedom.

In sacrifice for others, life is taken for you.

Luo child the drums beat for you,

The women mourn you, the candles shine your way back to the light.

The stomping of the funeral procession shakes your ancestors.

Jowii!

Drive death away!

It is time, it is enough.

Luo child as they plant you,

Protect the shoots that sprout in your stead.

Haunt everyone who butchered you,

Blind those who turned their eyes,

Strike them with madness so that we may know them,

Oh Luo child, one day the dead will walk this earth again.