Aartaajik’s Challenge Song
© Christoffer Petersen, 2021
I hear a challenge came
flung from south to north
and I prepare my answer.
What words will I sling
Upon this great southerner?
Hunter intrepid
claiming adulterous behaviour.
He says I stole a thing
valued highly,
and I say better to
treat well those
one would keep near,
than weep when they
wander further,
as if mourning.
Ai ja ja, ai ja
Ja ai, ja ja.
And here he comes
marching, stoop walking
he drags his club
meant for my head
no doubt.
And I am here,
armed with words–
no more.
Keep your club, friend,
and tackle me mouth to mouth
with resuscitation,
like I did your wife.
Ai ja ja, ai ja ja
Ja ai, ja ja.
Yes, I’ve been naughty
I’ve been bad
But your living-widow
deserves to be touched by a man–
caressed, excited,
not possessed, nor slighted
I was the lover that loved
while the loved-one rubbed
the world the wrong way,
on the ice
in the far bay.
Guilty, I am.
Judge me.
Ai ja ja, ai ja
Ja ai, ja ja.
