Tis’ The Season!

Tis the season of winter in Lesotho...

Tis the season of cold..

Of shorter days and frozen nights.
Of frost-bitten fields, and snow-capped mountains.
Of paraffin heaters and Basotho blankets.
Of courtyard fires and chilly evenings.

Tis the dry season...

Of empty wells, slow pumps, and unyielding taps.
Of barren ponds and rivers run dry.
Of wind and dust,
Of clear blue skies and burning red sunsets. 

Tis the season of want...

Of empty bellies and hungry mouths.
Of rationed food and skeleton fields.
Of high gas prices and limited fire-wood.
Of cattle without grass and pumps without water.

Tis the season of unending work...

Of butchered lifereke (pigs) and likhomo (cattle).
Of bo-Me gathered to khotola.
Of sifting sorghum and grinding maize meal.

Tis the season of family...

Of caldrons of nyaikwe swaying over fire pits.
Of jubilant children free from school.
Of all-night prayer gatherings and all-day festivals.
Of song and dance and drums and life.

Tis the season.

With Love from Lesotho… –Mary E.