I Am Broken

I used to dine with the Dinka dwelling in the land of the Nile years ago before hatred came down like rains. But nowadays, lonely, I dine under tense abhorrence.     I am broken.

With the Nuer living in the land of the Nile, I danced. Tribalism shattered us terribly. Nowadays, alone I dance in empty compound.     I am broken.

To the farms I used to walk with the Shilluk and share cultivation grounds along the Nile. But into battlegrounds they have turned.     I am broken.

With the Koma I fetched fish at the bank of the Nile. Fish and fishing is no more. Only death I fetch along the Nile.     I am broken.

I lived peacefully with Maban and shared land For settlement and cultivation. Today, land I don’t own any more.     I am broken.                                   

To the land of the Nile I would like to return to dine with the Dinka and dance with the Nuer    In the Greater Upper Nile I want to cultivate With the Shilluk and fish with the Koma ,Peace and harmony I need with the Maban        I am broken.