A song from the Gurage people of Ethiopia. Like Warga, Son of Qariso, this poem is in part an appeal to the successful man to share his wealth.
O cultivator, how great is your merit!
Wealth flows from your fingers,
The sea gushes in front of your house!
The cripple comes to your door,
You share your produce with him:
For this you receive blessing.
The orphan comes to your door,
You share your produce with him:
For this you receive blessing.
The ants will not eat your fingers.
When you die, you are destined for Paradise:
If you live on, you are destined for blessing!
From The Farmer in Ohaha Song
published in Africa 34 (1964)
translated by Professor Leslau
