My Grandfathers Bilum

Bilum is a type of woven bag in Papua New Guinea (PNG) ............................... How grandfather’s bilum, which Across my father’s bare chest, In a loving embrace slung. Like the Leleki baskets’ blest How while so pregnant swung. How dwelleth he my father in its rich Splendour till handing-over of its rest, Then over my clothed chest again sways. O this old bilum! like all other blest No longer is laden with in my days. For its treasures I search in earnest, That I may grandfather’s mind know. O this bilum is no longer pregnant! Along the way, maybe some time ago, How many treasures fade; this instant Till my sleep, I’ll summon eagerness To my modern soul strengthened to seek. Grandfather’s treasures may be hidden; Yet through a new eye must I ever peek For glimpses my days have forbidden. By: Jeffrey Febi 25 Oct 2010