Oral History

Oral history of my tribe
stories told and tales passed down
told in hush tone whispered
oral history we hold dear

alphabets were unknown
history was told through tales
some in long intricate chants
most in narratives from the wise

the elders knew of the ancient lore
understood the taboos and law
through their parents and grandparents
and they from the generations before  

we travelled from our troubled land
after the hills were no longer fertile
and the tribal wars began to escalate
through jungles we walked in single files  

this and more stories told to us orally
as we sat around the warm fire
listening to a distant beating of gongs
signaling a wedding to be held tomorrow