Sharing Stories - A Glimpse into Another's Life
KENYA | Saturday, 16 March 2013 | Views [16336] | Comments [26] | Scholarship Entry
‘Jonathan’ is not the name of a fearless warrior. Jonathan, surely, works in accounts in an air-conditioned office, takes vitamin supplements and makes regular contributions to his pension fund. He secretly resents his work and dreams of any challenge to his personal monotony and the linear direction of his life, yet remains dutifully consistent and reliable.
Jonathan, however, is the name of this warrior. It shocks me: not the thick, pale scar that cuts like a mountain range from his left shoulder across his chest and down to his stomach; but his name. He leaps in the dust, rooted to the spot on which he lands and from where he takes flight. I can’t take my eyes off him. He is a vision of ochre and agility.
Suddenly, the guttural vibrations of song stop, the earth settles and Jonathan gently adjusts his red shuka to cover his wound as he steps forward out of the line of men. An Elder shuffles towards him and, as Jonathan bows his head, he is crowned with the lion’s mane. The beast that engraved his body now frames this warrior’s face. As he slowly raises his head, Jonathan’s eyes are closed as beads of fat and orange sweat trickle down his cheek.
Kenya mercilessly bakes herself in December. At this moment - in this sundial sun - I am the office-Jonathan. He is the warrior-Jonathan; the Morani. He gently takes my hand and holds it tenderly, standing next to me, tall, extended with pride and perfectly postured. I dare not look at him but I wonder how his heart must have burst with fear when he confronted the animal’s eyes. His thickened braids flick on my shoulder. His scent is earthen, metallic and roasted.
The hypnotic rhythm of song restarts, he softly loosens his grasp on my hand and he is offered his spear and rungu. He demonstrates his combat skills and I quietly contemplate the linear direction of his life, directed solely towards this moment of absolute achievement.
‘Jonathan’ has its meaning as ‘Given from God’ and here, today, in this parched grassland office, he is adored as a gift to these Maasai boys and men. To me, he is the warrior I long to be.
Tags: Travel Writing Scholarship 2013
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