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 Noon 

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?