Nyombo Ceremony Poem by Collins Gachomo

Akoth's daughter Shantel is quite a belle
African engagement customs are where she fell
Her heart is afire, her love is true
But the customs of her land are quite a few

She longs for the day when she'll be engaged
African traditions must be fully staged
The bride price must be paid, the elders must bless
All these formalities must be met with finesse

The groom-to-be must also show their worth
In the eyes of the elders and the matriarch
He must prove he'll provide, protect and cherish
For Shantel's love, he must continually nourish

With all these done, the engagement is sealed
Songs of joy are sung, the feast is unveiled
They dance and revel deep into the night
A new chapter in their lives has taken flight

Akoth's daughter Shantel can finally rest
Her heart filled with love, her soul truly blessed
For African engagement customs bring
Hope, joy, and happiness like a king.