It is different now (9, 10, 11) — Peter B. Cuktu

9. It is different now
We and our animals surviving
The dry lakes are full of fishes
Our prayers have been answered
No more wolves in sheep skins
Re-entering our ranches, in kinds or cash
Armed with baits and sinisters’ strings
A clique of fishermen, as usual, attempting
“Scrambling”, hooking fishes
This time, too late
“Stumbling” and falling headlong.

10. Reeds on paths may not
Be completely moved now
For lack of rains
But when floods and currents flow in,
Even concrete bridges and obstacles
Are swept away;
When aids rained in,
Drought resisting trees planted
Drought-hit areas will emerge
From enslavement and subsistence economy
Into self reliance and freedom
Where there is peace and plenty.

11. One day will be one day
Shifting slowly, like the drought itself
A new era is forcefully ushering in
The only solution to drought menace –
This most violent enemy
Of African enslavement
Is that “Unseen Strong Hand from Some Place”.