The Tokoloshe (poem) by Sandra A. Mushi on AuthorsDen

The Tokoloshe
by Sandra A. Mushi → (All Poetry by Sandra A. Mushi)
Not rated by the Author.

Save

Tokoloshe or Tikoloshe. From the Xhosa word uthikoloshe. The tokoloshe is a short, hairy, dwarf-like creature from Bantu folklore. It is a mischievous and evil spirit that can become invisible by swallowing a pebble. Tokoloshes are called upon by malicious people to cause trouble for others. It’s power extends to causing illness and even death upon the victim. The way to get rid of him is to call in the Inyanga or witch-doctor who has the power to cast him out of the area.

Oh my, don’t look under your bed, There might be a Tokoloshe that is to dread He could be naked or in a cloak that’s red A brown, hairy dwarf, that speaks with a lisp. Over his shoulder slung is his shlong Because it is ooh so gigantic and long To his witch mistress he uses his prong In return, he is showered with milk and food. Looking for him is like searching for a needle in a haystack, He is invisible as he has eaten a pebble and ready to attack! But if you see him don’t laugh at his single buttock Careful not to annoy him as he’s evil and quite a dare-devil You will know he is there as strange things are happening The rafters are rattling and the cat has ceased his purring Furniture being moved about and plates in the air are flying Then a sickening, screeching noise as something clawed at the window. Shhh, listen, I hear a loud, slow, "clump! clump!" As though somebody was walking on the roof, “thump! thump!” On the ground outside my bedroom window, a loud bump Shhh, there is the scurrying of evil little feet again The window is now fluttering about, papers and books swirl The fire’s gone out and a cold wind inside whirl Grandpa’s big clock, ooh, also starts to round and round twirl then suddenly everything’s quiet - a silence as loud as a shout Put bricks under your bed or better yet call the Inyanga the pro As you can’t be destroyed the Tokoloshe even with a bow He’s the only one who can rescue you from such a foe He’ll exorcise the Tokoloshe before he enchains you Copyright Sandra A. Mushi . All rights Reserved

Reviewed by Ingrid Khola (Reader)

Reviewed on May 12, 2006

A good african tale. Your writing is so diverse, well done Sandra.
Ingrid

Reviewed by Bhuwan Thapaliya

Reviewed on June 27, 2005

Very interesting write...fantastic!!!!

Reviewed by Richard Christopher Suarez (Reader)

Reviewed on June 26, 2005

this is delightfully interesting and I thoroughly
enjoyed it.....looking out for more.
really great job!

best wishes',
Rich Criso Suarez

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Reviewed on June 25, 2005

Delightfully interesting, Sandra. Thank you for sharing this gift. Love and peace. Regis

Reviewed by Nordette Adams

Reviewed on June 21, 2005

A fun write. Truly enjoyed it. I believe these creatures are related to the dust bunnies. ;-) But seriously, I don't take devilish people and their dark spiritual playmates lightly. Cool beans, Sandra. ~~Nordette

Reviewed by Huda Orfali

Reviewed on June 20, 2005

very interesting
I'll call the witch doctor as soon as I see one
love and peace
Huda

Reviewed by E. Richardson

now this I like...interesting to see gremlins are a world wide pest.

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

interesting write, sandie; i love it!! very well done! brava!!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in america, karen lynn in texas. :D

Reviewed by Mark Rockeymoore

man, that was so very imaginative, and an excellent poetic take on african folklore! it was a pleasure to read!

Reviewed by Paul Williams

Lol excellent write this Sandra, the little so and so ought to meet some of my bretheren they'd soon sort his antics for sure...Muwwwwahhhh hehehe mine goes over the shoulder too lol.

Paul;-}

Reviewed by pamela lwakabare (Reader)

Tokoloshe we!!
you have not disappointed me again. I am so glad i put author tracker on. girl, awaiting your other poems.. get going!
loads of luv...

Reviewed by jacqueline amos

Reviewed on June 19, 2005

This is another great adventure I love your work.

Reviewed by L. Figgins

That's the loathsome creature that was under my bed as a child! Or was it my brother trying to scare me? At any rate, this is a great fun write, Sandra!

Reviewed by Gwen Dickerson

Ah, nice poem and cartoon, Sandra! I enjoyed.

Reviewed by Phyllis Jean Green

Clever and fun-nee~!! But. . .s_t, I thought it
was just gremlins and glitches doing this to
me. Started gathering bricks, be sure to crush
a toe. All of'em! Witch doctor, hmmmm. I could do
that. Bit of straw, few bones. . .what size
cauldron do you recommend. Wait. That's the
wrong kind of witch.

See what you started??

Naaaaa, I love it.

Good show!!

Phyllis Witchferaminit Thar:)

Reviewed by Sandie May Joyce (Sandie Angel)

An interesting metaphoric write.

Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o)

Reviewed by Patricia Gomes

Oh, jeeze!

" ... Over his shoulder slung is his shlong
Because it is ooh so gigantic and long ... "

And I'd want to keep him away WHY? You are too much! Thanks for a much needed laugh, my dear.

Reviewed by Mr. Ed

A captivating tale, Sandra - and perhaps I now know why one of my cats stopped purring this morning - I better get some bricks - right away!

PS I love that cartoon.