(For Toumani Diabate, kora virtuoso)
Seventy one generations,
Twenty one strings.
Eyes close.
Old fingers
Swim the deft air, in perfect freestyle.
Like long distance runners
Strumming gazelle legs on earth.
Pluck – let – go,
Joy and sorrow.
Ripple peace,
When all else is a rumble
Of war drums.
Tell me, Toumani,
How does it feel to play?
Tell me,
Is it better than listening?