Bumba's Stomache

(African Creation Myth - Boshongo Tribe)


Pain!
Consuming pain seated deep in the pit of
This immortal's stomach, and
He did his best to be rid of it.

In a blinding burst,
Bumba belched and heaved,
Bringing forth into the void
The brightness of the noonday sun.

As the sun did warm the earth,
Drying the many waters,
Bumba's stomach still ached with
A soul-devouring pain.

He heaved and heaved again,
Creating a heavenly tidal wave -
Painting the blackness of night with
The virgin moon and diamond stars.

With one last heave,
The god's pain was no longer
For he had populated the new earth with
The leopard, turtle, crocodile, and man.