Leaders of the Land

Before new faces touched our sand,
Our chiefs and elders led the land,
Guiding lives with wisdom old,
Stories in their voices told.

These traditions, built with care,
Gave each tribe a code to share,
Strong foundations, firm and sure,
Held the ties that would endure.

Yet not all cultures had this base,
Some found it hard to keep the pace.
When roots were weak or torn apart,
Chaos claimed the people's heart.

From leaders born to show the way,
To those whose path had gone astray,
Much depends on what we hold:
The wisdom of our past retold.

If your calabash is cracked or gone,
Don't spoil the stream for everyone.
Tread lightly on this road so wide,
Keep respect close by your side.

There once was a chief from the plains,
Who led with his heart and his brains.
When his calabash broke,
He laughed and he spoke:
"It's the journey, not just what remains!"

— Wanaku Verdzekov