INDLAMU

Anticipation

reaches fever pitch

as the spectators wait

for the ‘indlamu’ ritual dance

to begin.  Ululations

punctuate the rowdiness

of the crowd.

Thunderclap

of drums erupts and

the ululations reach fever pitch

as the crowd welcomes

the high-kicking Zulu warriors.

As their feet hit the ground

the earth shudders in fear.

Kicking

Feinting

Stomping

Drumming

Psyching themselves

for the mock battle ahead

they brandish

short stabbing spears,

defend with their shields,

as Shaka, King of the Zulus,

taught their ancestors.

see the regalia

see the mock fight

see the crowd

feel the earth shake

feel the energy

feel your pulse race

hear voices roar

hear Africa’s beat

hear the sound

of Zulu drums

and  Zulu feet