While She Slept...

 The day the child was born,

I suspect that his mother snuck out in the dark of night,

unable to get any sleep.

She had to know! She had to be certain!

Who would he be? Would he be great?

Would his fame spread far and wide?

Would he stand tall among men? ‘Tall with achievements?

Oh she had to know… she had to know now now!

Otherwise the family would find her mad by morning

when the actual trip to the clan’s deity chieftain was scheduled.

She had to set her mind to rest

 before it wandered into the dark night by itself.

So she crept out and snuck to the medicine man’s by herself

…like I said, all this is purely8 speculation.                                   

“He’ll be great...”

 that’s what the old man told her after clearing his throat

too many times and too loudly, 
she was afraid she might have to clear it for him

with a slap so he could get to the business of easing her mind

… or sending her and her new born to an early grave.

Relief almost drove her to tears.

The world would come to know his name,
and of his brothers, he would stand tallest.

His innate gifts would take him far

and shield him from lack all the days of his life.

Even his children’s children will be great.

She slept well that night…and the nights after.

I fear she slept too well

cos while she slept the greedy came and stole his gifts.

The wicked came and inflicted wounds on her baby.

While she slept,

the nocturnal creatures came and cast upon him The Evil-Eye,

charming it away from its beautifully foretold destiny.

All the things that were promised that the child would be

Have yet to materialize.

It’s been 50 years since the prophecies…

Fifty years since its mother went to sleep

and left it to the wolves.

Fifty years of failed dreams and promises.

It’s been fifty years!