The Ras’s journey was a long and mystical, full of surprises and Epiphanies. Revered by some as “Jani Ho” he is the Corner Stone of the Ras Tafarian movement. Two rather mystical incidents early in his life were his encounter with a Lion, and the death of a close friend. These were two defining moments which were to shape the direction which his life would take. The mystery of his death the manner of the disposal of his remains, and the fate of the rest of the Royal Family continues to be a topic of much discussion and debate such as that of the last Tsar of Russia.
Astride a Horse, he gazes at the distant horizon,
His faithful sword in a scabbard fastened to his
Waist, spear held in his hand. His round leather-
Satchel filled with the precious bread, Ambasha,
Horn topped with the bitter-sweet tej to last!
Eagle eyes hooded against the rising Harar Sun,
Heart heavy with the loss of his close friend,Tefari
Broods about the encounter with the Lion, visions
Of the Lion of Judah spurring him on a long journey
To lead his people out of Abyssinian darkness.
Addis, still a distant destination and a Cousin not in
Favour. But heavy lies the burden on shoulders so
Young, parents not around, all so alone!The lions
In the bush roar their prophecy of a new reign of
Prosperity, and joy for a nation brought to light!
This poem is the result of my memories of what I once read in a discarded book which I once found in the library of the Arbaminch Comprehensive High School in Arbaminch where I studied till class nine. This book was about the early life of the Ras, and it had been discarded for condemnation because the country had turned towards Socialism and all material pertaining to the Ras was consigned to the flames!
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