Pilgrim Of Amity - Bam Livinus Tal

We've come a long way

From town to town, we hoop for jobs

Tough times came, we managed and stayed

When the storm was still, we met at a joint

Like in a jungle, we shared, rejoiced and cracked jokes

Now the fruits of long friendship are all visible

And the entire world is harvesting from their tree

Because we stood firm and denied feebleness

The pilgrimage of amity now habours thousand and three

Like an army of soldiers that match and sing.

Your friends are now my friends

And my friends, your friends

Your children are now my children

And my children, your children

It is indeed a milestone covered with resounding success.

Let me not alone anymore, brother

For the horizon is still further

Even in my frailty hold me still, let’s move along

I hope to catch up very soon

You are indeed a dear brother.

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Bam Livinus Tal (20th century) Cameroon

Source: Poetic Africa Issue 3