By The Fireside

On a moonlit night,

They crouched over and peered

At my wrinkled old ebony face keen

to hear a new one.

It could be scary and terrifying to send

Chills down their spine

It could be funny and happy

To leave them laughing all night

Under the mango tree,

The air was cool and damp

They sat round the open hearth for warmth

Roasted k)k)) was passed round

With eagerness and excitement

“Anase sem sesoo”, I said

And the murmurs stopped

“Sen sewaaa”, they responded giggling

“What will it be?” they asked

“It will be a brave one” and the boys puffed up with pride

“a satire”

And the girls grinned

“or a ghostly one”

And they shivered looking frightened

I started a song to break the mood

And told them a story by the fireside.