Portion - universityofafricanart.org

Before the leaders,
To take their requests
Listen to their deliberations.
The elders called him “Leopard,”
Diligent, sensitive and warm.
For his claws they ceded
Him a section of the town
As the hem of his gown
To guard, ensure protection
To govern, collect taxation
Build a small wealth
And chest of power,
As the crown prince
Regal in grace.
His joy rode the clouds,
The king was proud
Of his first son
And gave him a small crown
Intricately woven with beads,
And a tall beaded staff,
As insignia of office.
They gave him a beautiful virgin
Daughter of the richest
Market woman in town,
For his wife.
For the rest of his life