Vibrant and throbbing
the beat of his drums
parrots the rhythm
of his vibrating heart.
The sheen of fine sweat
on his face and his hands
reflect back a light
in the glow of the sun.
A tropical jungle dream in his head
where victorious young warriors
return from the hunt
dance madly impassioned
to the strokes of his hands
rising and falling in pulsating time.
Faster and louder the beat on the drums.
Wild and abandoned the dancing becomes.
A feverous climax—their bodies are spent
as the echoing pulse rides
the tide of the wind.
The quivering leaves sing to the sky
praising the sonorous voice of Nikai.
