The Mermaid Doctor

The Mermaid Doctor

By
Vincent Dzapasi

They were herding their cattle home
They were thirsty and tired
The cool Blackwater pool beckoned
They couldn’t resist the temptation

The herdboys plunged into the pool
And one of them dived for good
The famed mermaid dived out
And Taku bade his friends goodbye

They ran home to narrate the ordeal
All famed witchdoctors were assembled
And the village elders trooped to the pool
With drums, divine bones and heavy hearts

They sang, danced and ululated
Hoping for the best
Provided no one cried
And the rituals were done correctly

The mermaid would release Taku unharmed
And Taku would be a great healer
The Chief priest went into a trance
And his voice changed

‘Oh revered Makoni, the Great healer!
Your children cries before you
Hear our pleas oh Great priest
Make our son a great medicine man!’

Supplications and divinations continued
Hoping Taku will emerge from the dark pool
It can be two days, two weeks or two months
As long as he came out

With reed growing out at his back
Dressed in traditional regalia
Armed with his bones of divination
Ready to serve his faithful villagers