A New Dawn Poem by Felix Otiende

A NEW DAWN.

The darkest hour comes before dawn,

All my life I have done hunting,

I have killed big animals who came in my way,

I have protected father's herds of cows, sheeps and goats,

Not even once did I complain because that's what I will inherit not so long.

From village to village grazing, looking for greener pasture has been my norm since I was 5 years old.

I have protected our family's lineage with my life all these years and it's been a success.

Seeing them multiply grow, some die, but I have done my best.

You see on that horizon,

Where the sun rises from,

I believe that's where my treasures lie,

I have always desired to go to school,

Get to know simple skills like reading and writing

But never told father because I would have killed his dreams completely

But enough is enough my friend,

Come what may, I have to tell father everything,

He may disown me but that's the least of my worries,

My plea is for education,

My friend, the chief's sons and daughters are literate, they use big machines to speak to people from far away, they drive big metal boxes and own lots of paper valuable items they exchange if they need anything from town.

My friend that's the life I want.

This might be our last day hunting but,

I promise you once I set my life,

I will come back for you,

My friend.