The tribesmen saw the devil eat the sun;

bit by greedy bit it was devoured,

and midday turned to night.  They cringed in fear,

terrorized by this malicious power.

 

The world turned dark and cold.  The awful beast,

unsated, turned its gaze to humankind,

its round, black face ablaze with fires of hell!

All those who dared to watch were smitten blind!

 

The wise one said, “we must implore the gods!”

The elders desperately chanted prayer;

the women beat the drums; the warriors rose

and flailed the sacred dance around the fire.

 

The gods responded; they took up the battle

and slayed the demon, and the sun was freed.

       They chanted and they danced; the sun returned.

       And that was all the proof they’d ever need.