Shepherdess in Hunger Series

By Riak Marial Riak, Juba, South Sudan

–

They are going to look for grass,

Their sheep never graze yesterday.

I am going with them to safe my cow,

You know mother it’s only why we’re living.

That is my going mother, mother to feed my cow.

–

I heard that grains will be shared with pests,

There’s a rumour that tomorrow will be dry

Then why won’t I go mother to safe my cow,

You must know it has no calf to remain,

I must go mother, mother to feed my cow.

–

I have seen daughter of Agut-nyang in the land,

She’s flocking down her sheep to graze

But my cow dolefully mow why shouldn’t I go?

When our pools cannot sustain our cow,

I must catch up with them mother my cow.

–

I do not have muscles to steal a food,

I was born of nothing but to have a cow,

Just give me a porridge to slow down with her,

They’ve gone and is dust after them to see,

I must go now mother, mother to feed my cow.

–

I heard that forest is safe for hunters

So must our Lea also cooperate with us,

There I will sing to my cow holding club,

I need her to live happy of what she eats,

I must go now mother, mother to feed this cow.

–

Group of herders shouting for their cows

The music come intermittent and could never stop,

I must be haying like them although with voice wearied,

The meadow is divided mother

That I may feed my cow till noonday.

–

I live for you my cow, booboo

And go down there to taste that sour grass,

It lacks water to hold its root down

That is why it has withered like a hill,

I must stroll there mother, mother to feed my cow.

–

Riak Marial Riak is a south Sudanese poet/actor/director and self-taught philosopher. He can be reached at riakdeng23@gmail.com

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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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