I AM NOT A DRUM
(Alexandra Kukunda)
My African man
Lover of the drumbeat
Go buy yourself a drum
It’s made to be beaten
But even it, with rhythm
Let’s beat that drum
Together you and I
You, raising your cowardly hand
Violating my rights
I, wailing, screaming, running
The silence
The lies
How long and why should I
Protect lover turned adversary
Father of my children
Who cower in fear
At the sound of your voice
Symbol of terror
Whispers follow my back
You have undressed me
A seat at the village square
But no name in your own home
Let’s beat that drum
Together you and I
No more shall I be
Battered into submission
I married a man
Not the violent being that
Dwells in your body and
Occupies your space
Bring back my husband
Free yourself and redeem us all
This your new battlefield
Was once our home
Bring back the rhythm we knew
When peace reigned
And you were head
Let’s beat that drum
Together you and I
Together dance to its beat
Sanity prevail
But if you will not,
alexandra 