Will You Dance?

Look at them dance

They dance to the throb of the drums

The drums I beat for you,

They do not dance like you would

They cannot cause the rhythm is yours and not theirs.

But they cannot refrain from dancing,

Why do you?

Dance for me,

Let me see your body finish for me

What my fingers started for you

 Hold your dashiki by the fringe,

Throw back your shoulders, and twirl.

Will you not dance?

I beat the samba,

I made the Bata as potent as conk ‘Oguro’.

The tinkle of the Saworo surely would incite you?

But you do not dance

Do I not beat these drums well?

Why then do they dance, if my song be not sweet?

I started at dawn,

Drummed through high moon

Evening has come,

You did not dance, I beat Rumba,

I beat calypso

Drummed salsa,

Juju also

You have not danced

Why do you let others danced to your song?

See! They are about to drink your cup

They intend to take your place

Only the evening light keeps them at bay

What will happen when night comes?

When mothers call the children to bed?

When the glowing embers used in making dinner

Have turned into cold ash?

What will happen when the ‘Gangans’ leather tears?

My shoulders ache

My fingers are bleeding

My bottom is sore

I am worn and weary

Time is running out

The rhythm is turning slow

Will you take this chance?

Will you dance?