AWAKENING THE GIANTS

AWAKENING THE GIANTS 

By Jeremy Leariwala 

Back in the days, decades before fibre optics, 
Mostly over the memorable school holidays, 
When highways longed for then touted tarmac, 
And a single transistor radio served a village, 
Broadcasters repeatedly announced ‘The Rally’. 
 
The Safari Rally-an annual event, was a MUST see. 
Announcers named household legendary speed-masters, 
And everyone knew of Carl Tundo, Njiru among others. 
 
Come the D-day, even the heaviest sleepers woke up early, 
To line up by the road, just to glimpse the road giants. 
They braved the cold, birds chirping the only other noise. 
As radioed, they’d spot their rising dust 20 Kms away, 
They’ll cheer, jostle for space and wait with abated breaths. 
 
And then, in a flash, ‘Vroooom!’ the cars were gone, 
Leaving spectators groping in the cloud of dust, 
Thrilled and grateful for an achieved annual goal. 
 
The next few days, local shows will enact their scenes, 
Known fastest local drivers will acquire instant nicknames; 
To date, there are ‘Chaka-Metas’, Patrick Njirus and Tundos. 
But quietly, the nostalgic engine sounds went mute, and… 
The Rally faded, deep into those lonely recesses of history. 

*** 

Today, after a 19 year lull, the unmistakable roar warms up. 
The Savannah Giants-The African Wild and birdlife, 
Beautifully & peacefully idling in their blessed habitat, 
Shrewdly stares back, under a pylon, along a circuit, 
Oblivious of the World Safari Rally in the offing. 
 
It is systems go! My childhood embers are rekindling, 
Rough-road-champs belting up & cameras rolling; ready... 
Once again, to roar and awaken the giants!

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