bow and arrow

Description

Callused fingers clench tightly into the dry palms of sun baked hands, knuckles splitting as blood slowly surfaces between them like a river in a canyon. These hands are the tools of a warrior, just like the bow and arrow he clutches. You would think that only an adult would bear such a hefty responsibility to wield such danger rather than a child developed in a battle ridden environment. However,... in this case, the possibility of a child warrior is common... The date is January 1st, 1988; the place is South Sudan. In the midst of a war against North Sudan, a fight had broken out amongst the village. People run and scream in their horror as the men and young boys stand to protect their families. During this distraction, a newborn male is stolen along with many other male newborns to a camp in Kenya. These newborns grew to be known as Lost Boys in training to become soldiers. However, one very specific Lost Boy was destined to greatness, but was clueless. To survive and see another day, he had to chase his food with bow and arrow, and drink the water that lay at his feet, or sometimes even blood. There were no clothing to cover his back, and very rarely shelter. Sometimes he was not so lucky, having gone days without food or water. At the age of eight, he began having dreams of music. He wrote his first song, and found that he couldn't stop writing. Perhaps this was his destiny... Then he heard of a "Heaven" on earth. This heaven was called America- the land of opportunity. The young boy saw to it to journey there, and journey he did. He began to attend school, where he was bullied and called names, but the boy always stood up for himself. Nobody called him any name or picked on him, without getting what they deserved. He fought for who he was and what he believed in, therefore his peers provided him with the nickname of Warchild. Along with his teachings, he spent most of his time writing songs and lyrics, even in his sleep as he dreamed. The music never left his mind, or his heart. He always had paper and a pencil under his bed, in case he would wake up the middle of the night with a tune or an idea. He would go to sleep writing, and wake up writing. His lyrics consisted of hope and strength for his people back at home. Telling stories of the opportunity and happiness America provided. Finally, a place where he didn't see death daily, and there was food and shelter. In his lyrics, he speaks to his people of an easier and safer life that they can have for their children. "War was all I knew, but this is nothing. You never knew when you woke if it was your last day to live your life. It's a new life now." Warchild has now recorded an album in his native tongue, Nuer, and plans to further his music career. However, he will never forget his past, and plans to help Sudanese achieve such happiness in America. http://www.facebook.com/jangjuol www.facebook.com/chinaathkeertv