Building the Nation
Today I did my share in building the nation.
I drove the Permanent Secretary to an important
Permanent urgent function. In fact, to a lunch.
The menu reflected its importance
Cold Bell Beer with small talks
Fried chicken with niceties
Wine to fill the hallowness of laughs
Ice cream to cover the comfort jokes.
And coffee to keep the Permanent Secretary awake on return.
I drove the Permanent Secretary back.
He yawned many times, thinking about "The Three Big:"
The Bush George, The Garang Demabior, and Omar Hassen.
Then to keep awake, he asked, "Did you have any lunch, friend?"
I replied, looking straight ahead, and Secretary smiling to his master concern,
That I had not but was slimming.
Upon which he said, with seriousness,
That amused more than annoyed me:
"Mucanachi, I too had none.
I attend to master eight states
Highly delicate diplomatic duties and friend it goes
Against my grain, causes me stomach ulcers and wind.
Oh the pain we suffered in building the nation."
So the bush ulcers too; my ulcers I think are equally painful,
Only they are caused by hunger, Not sumptuous lunch.
The two builders screaming the terrible stomach
Oh the pain we suffered in building the nation.
- Elizabeth Awel Garang Looch
