Nzumbe

Would you rather have never known the pain

Rather have never sinned

Rather walk the earth eyes bright and dead

never knowing triumph or trial

agitation and aggravation and anticipation

just rhythmic noises with no meaning

It hurts us all

It burns us all

It helps us all

It heals us all

Would you rather not see rain

and how it makes things live

Rather not feel fire

and how it heats the night

never experiencing any extreme highs or lows

excitement and elation and exuberance

just ancient symbols carved on wood

It takes both sides

It takes all kinds

it takes it all

absorb it all

be it all

feel it all

you need it all

Or would you rather be nzumbe-

alive yet asleep?