Warriors of the radiant sun - Étienne Goyémidé

My hair has turned white in the shadow of the shields.

My eyes took on the colour of fair combat.

My hands were forged through contact with weapons.

My voice is that of the chief who invites his subjects to defend a just cause.

My ears hear the voice of wisdom and bravery.

My feet have crossed a thousand forests, a thousand rivers, a thousand mountains.

My feet have led me with honour and honesty.

Now here I am at the edge of the grave, ready to join my parents, my friends 

and also my enemies whom I have slain in fair combat.

Now that I have to leave, my children, listen to the last truth:

Keep your hands clean.

Beware of shedding tears on them and the blood of innocence.

The tears and blood of innocence engender and nourish just and inevitable revenge.

Beware, my dear children, of being the warriors of darkness.

Be, like your ancestors, the warriors of the radiant sun.

---

Étienne Goyémidé (1942 – 1997) Central African Republic

Translated by Bruce Levitan [using Google translate]

Source: Le dernier survivant de la caravane, Étienne Goyémidé, Le Serpent à Plumes, 2002