Karu Zsulumi

 

The soil is our mother; from Her we come and to Her we shall return.

 

Brother Ijah led the way across the ocean from Anwnn;

Father Maksai taught us to survive in the high grasslands.

 

For thousands of generations, our ancestors have guided us;

The fruit of our labors is plentiful, here in the lands of the high plains.

 

uDlondlwane luya luhlezi

          luya ludlondobele

the young adder grows while he waits

           angry always angry

the shield is on his knee

           he who consumes some and devours others

and while he devours them, also consumes others

          he who consumes some and devours others

and while he devours them, also consumes others

          he who consumes some and devours others

and while he devours them, also consumes others

          he who consumes some and devours others

and while he devours them, also consumes others

          he who consumes some and devours others

and while he devours them, also consumes others.

 

painful stabber with the assegai, they will admonish each other

those are with the enemy and those who are at home

he who is as dark as goats gall

butterfly with famous forefathers

with colours in circles as if theyre painted on his wings

he is as misty as the shadows of the mountains

yes, the evil-doers skulk around in the dark.

 

Elsira notes:

 

The Zsulumi are often considered the most beautiful by sidhe standards, but what they are best known for is being the only karui to engage in agriculture on a large scale. Indeed, because of their skill for cultivation and the fact that they were the triumphant pioneers of the Second Age, some sidhe argue that the Zsulumi, not the Davanish, are the true Royal Karu of the Sidhe. But the Zsulumi themselves are not particularly interested in politics and are content to express themselves through their love of their lands. (Elsira Archives, no. 543987)