“Ballad of the Swamp”
Oh, waters of Lake Yingers,
You are so deep.
Do you still remember me?
Among the reeds, a Rumtu woman stands watching.
Ah! Waters of Lake Yingers,
You are so cold.
Can you see him,
A Rumtu warrior in his dugout, casting his net?
Women of the Rumtu tribe,
Do not be afraid.
Your men are on their way home.
Ah! Warriors of the Rumtu tribe,
Do not lose heart.
Ah! Lake Yingers,
Why are the Rumtu people so sad?
Ah! Warriors of the Rumtu tribe,
Does the robe your wife made fit you well?
Ah, warriors of the Rumtu tribe,
Are the flowers your children picked fragrant?
Ah, warriors of the Rumtu tribe,
Do you have your spear in hand?
Is your forehead painted with war paint?
Can the dark forest
And the enemy’s blades
Erase the strength of your vengeance?
Though your death in battle would break my heart,
I will keep watching,
Standing among the reeds.
Our ancestors’ protection means we do not fear death…
