Poem: “Sounds of a Cowhide Drum” by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali

Sounds of a Cowhide Drum

Boom Boom Boom 
I hear it far in the northern skies
a rumble and a roar of thunder

I prick my ears
like a buck ready to flee from an imminent storm

Boom! Boom! Boom! 
As it rolls nearer
and nearer to the southern sky 
it holds my heart
my hopes soaring high into the eagle's throne.

Boom! Boom! Boom!
I am the drum of your dormant soul, 
cut from the black hide of a sacrificial cow.

I am the spirit of your ancestors, 
habitant in hallowed huts,
eager to protect, 
forever vigilant.

Let me tell you of your precious heritage, 
of your glorious past trampled by the conqueror, 
destroyed by the zeal of a missionary.

I lay bare facts for scrutiny 
by your searching mind, 
all declarations and dogmas.

O! Hear me, Child! 
in the Zulu dance
shaking their hearts into a frenzy.

O! Hear me, Child!
in the night vigil of black Zionists 
lifting their spirits into ecstasy.

Boom! Boom! Boom!
That is the sound of a cowhide drum - 
the Voice of Mother Africa.

— Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali

WHATSAPP: Click HERE to join the new Literature PADI WhatsApp group to receive latest updates on your phone and for further literary discussions!