Free Roots

By Mayen Ayarbior

–

Free Roots

Onto a pitch-dark chamber

They looked down upon me

And probed

Who are you!?

They paternalistically asked I

Why call me-self Ayarbior

The giant white bull

Son of Tong Kuol Mayar Ayog

Burning spear of night shifters

Dear cousin of Ngundeng

Legend of Kuac leopards

Ruthless slayer of Abduljaliil

The commander of prophet Mahadi

Slave trader of his time

————————-

They queried me again, why?

Use that name

Of the grandfather of Dengdit

Humble teacher of great men

Rider of the wind

Builder of that bridge

Irrigator of countless grains

Shining sun of darkness

Lightening eyes of rain

Son of Mayen Amet

For whom I am named

————————–

They pulled me up the dungeon

My torturers and brutal jailers

McManaman T.F.L Braveheart and

Louis Arthur Smith then appeared

Throwing heads down

Leisurely loosing strength

As they discerned that Quintus

The prodigious whelp

Cassius Augustus and I

Were siblings

Miles from Rome

–

Mayen D.M.A Ayarbior, Yei – 1999

About Post Author

PaanLuel Wël

administrator

PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

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