Marta has changed
Her body rearranged,
One day her dress stained
So, Ama Kai explained
About 'Eve's monthly curse'
But in fact, what was worse
Was that men,
Black, and white
Frightened her
With their looks.
Slaves must not mate
Except on the dates
That the Baas decreed,
Any babies, if born
One day were torn
From their mothers
And sold
For gold
Up Country.
Marta asked Ama Kai
Why
This was
She was told,
Just do your task
Do not ask
Why the river runs deep
Just keep
Quiet.
In the dark
Of the night
Marta thought she just might
One day
Run away.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Owain Glyn
