The talking drum

[abena isake]

This poem is dedicated to Baba Ahmed, because he told me to.
Looking back now i understand why...
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In Afrikan drum beats
Something speaks
To an essence often shunned in me

Like my heart
Drum beats thump
Pumping memory through my veins
Some cause to celebrate
Others devastate causing pain

Still rhythms call my name
Stirring something deep beneath layers of
Conditioning from colonization
DeAfrikanization
Steady comes the realization

I know these beats

Staccato they
Rock and comfort
The motherless child within
Wrapping me in a generational receiving blanket
That brings familiar sensations and clarity
As rhythms mend my disconnect with Mama Afrika

Drumbeats continue to spin
As awareness deepens
In this moment there is no gap
Because beyond space and time
i am intertwined with generations of family never known
And it feels like home

Drums speak
And I feel no reservations or fear in what I hear
I can hardly resist the impulse to move my body
My hands
My feet
Like sunlight beats tap at seeds of culture in me
Yet to be nurtured, fed
Cultivated
Freed!

Increase in speed
Beats evolve into an ancient war call!
COME unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility
COME cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith
COME ALL that will righteously feed, heal & empower me!

No longer a cultural casualty
Now armed, armored
And ready to battle ignorance and desecration of
My history, my culture

I am healing wounds and determined to be
In sync with drum beats
That spiritually help meet with those who came before

Libation pours
Invoking presence of ancestors
To consciously inherit their strength, courage and wisdom
With the help of The God of All Creation
I seek their awesome treasure
To help repair our personal and collective situation

With each beat
The drum speaks
And we must listen
To the talking drum.

abenaisake(C)2008

[XXPANTHAXX]

Ashe Warrior Queen, as you know Baba loved the drums

[Elisa Keisha]

Great peice, very profound. Nice dedication. Keep them coming Queen.

[abena isake]

Thank u all for the warmth and making me feel welcomed.