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A Memory
tapped hands knowing no comfort
scars of care carved on palms
back breaking task scratching
the land for a living
the grains filled the granary
the tuber all pulled off the ground
the traders arrived at the port
and they travelled to barter
they went by the stars
travelled towards the setting sun
creating tracks in the rainforest
and clearings for rests
during the journey the calls of owls
the screeches of hornbills
flutters of unknown species
feature in tales, beginnings of folklore
travelling bards sang of bravery
in battle and war with these unknown
fascinating to the children's ear
to be told and retold through centuries
still the people lived off the land
barter and trade with foreign folks
who set their feet on the river banks
and later build their houses there.
scars of care carved on palms
back breaking task scratching
the land for a living
the grains filled the granary
the tuber all pulled off the ground
the traders arrived at the port
and they travelled to barter
they went by the stars
travelled towards the setting sun
creating tracks in the rainforest
and clearings for rests
during the journey the calls of owls
the screeches of hornbills
flutters of unknown species
feature in tales, beginnings of folklore
travelling bards sang of bravery
in battle and war with these unknown
fascinating to the children's ear
to be told and retold through centuries
still the people lived off the land
barter and trade with foreign folks
who set their feet on the river banks
and later build their houses there.
Written by
Grace
(IDryad)
Published 4th Jul 2016
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 5
reading list entries 1
comments 13
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Re. A Memory
4th Jul 2016 3:25am
It's hard to imagine times like these given our "advances."
"travelling bards sang of bravery
in battle and war with these unknown
fascinating to the children's ear
to be told and retold through centuries"
We need troubadours with your skill to remind us Grace. Thank you!
"travelling bards sang of bravery
in battle and war with these unknown
fascinating to the children's ear
to be told and retold through centuries"
We need troubadours with your skill to remind us Grace. Thank you!
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Re: Re. A Memory
4th Jul 2016 6:57am
My grandparents' parents were these travellers, Crowfly. ;) I listened to these tales as a child. Thank you for reading me.
Re. A Memory
4th Jul 2016 3:57am
Living by no one's 'by your leave', but, rather, hacking it out of the wilderness, burying their loved ones along the way.
I love the historic nature of this, Grace. It exudes the essence of colonization and the subsequent Independence Day.
I love the historic nature of this, Grace. It exudes the essence of colonization and the subsequent Independence Day.
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Re: Re. A Memory
4th Jul 2016 6:59am
Re. A Memory
Simply perfect independence day piece, reminds me of listening to my great granddad tell tells, brought up some very fond memories. Fantastic pen Grace:)
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Re: Re. A Memory
4th Jul 2016 11:52am
Re. A Memory
Anonymous
4th Jul 2016 3:38pm
Those days are so foreign to us. The land of instant gratification.
Perfect independence piece!
Perfect independence piece!
![Anonymous](/images/avatars/_nopicmini.gif)
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Re: Re. A Memory
4th Jul 2016 5:37pm
Re. A Memory
5th Jul 2016 00:13am
I can still see this happening in most parts of where I'm from,the only major difference is that money has replaced the barter system. Good work
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Re: Re. A Memory
Here too actually but some still practise it in the traditional market. Thanks for reading me dustyjjewels.
Re. A Memory
You are the messenger through this piece to so many reading this who otherwise would never know.
Blessings, Grace.
Blessings, Grace.
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Re: Re. A Memory
5th Jul 2016 9:06am
Dear Jade, thank you so much for reading and leaving such kind comments. Honoured.
Re. A Memory
4th Aug 2016 4:17pm
A nice portrait painted in few, well chosen words and phrases.... This is an example to me of poetic art transporting me to a different scene than usual daily life, it is an effective storytelling.... Nice to find it on a reading list.....
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