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Bernard de Silva
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« on: June 24, 2007, 03:14:31 PM » |
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“Isandlwana”
Be it Boer or Zulu, most colonial laws stood for all,
Cetshwayo, the native king, from favour took a fall.
Yet, did Africa’s vast wealth, the Zulu wars inspire,
was all conflict for order, or plundering an Empire?
If a Nation’s intent be suspect in securing its lands,
is some query warranted then, of British demands?
On the banks of the Thukela, given an ultimatum,
Cetshwayo, rejected the orders, relayed verbatim…
Not apparent the host, who now stand to the East,
not a sound, on the wind, for any stirring of beast.
As the columns approach, all retreat cut off clean,
set in ambush, now waiting, lie avengers unseen.
On the hillsides beyond, many hidden Zulu await,
assegais at the ready, ranks still as pillars of slate.
In the thermals above, vile vultures aloft in the sky,
cry for flesh of the fallen, men soon destined to die.
Of the column below, so ragtag, of order deprived,
A new Major ahead, here un-blooded…newly arrived.
In progressive disorder, all scouts ranging ahead,
unaware are recruits without knowledge of dread.
As Impi arising, set his column the need to regroup,
the new Major now hastens and marshals his troop.
Sends his warning to Chelmsford, a report of affray,
fights the rearguard retreat…to keep legions at bay.
As for Chelmsford…the colonel resolves to advance,
as Impi elude him, Isandlwana, now has no chance.
Soon come legions…attacking, like horns of the bull,
then slaughter, for with bloodlust all hearts are full.
Isandlwana, the hill like a Spinx guarding the plain,
where British encampments, a full battalion contain.
Men of rank, beside recruits, died there for the cause,
in a rout, swift and relentless, with scarcely a pause.
Sad red coated corpses, the company, near to a man,
lie on the veldt, the failed enforcers of a colonial plan.
Isandlwana’s vultures are gathered, feasting today,
the plain is silent, Impi vanished, ranks melted away…
©.Copyright: Bernard de Silva. 23 June 2007.
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