Chinebaba

Warlike in the glare of noonday,
In such days time will recall,
From the ranks of oppressed masses,
From the house where women serve,
Rose a mighty warrior leader –
Chinebaba, reformer, woman,
She of fearsome reputation.
From her foe bold Chinebaba
Plucked a fiery, blood-red feather,
Scalped his corpse, and then exulting
Bound it to her head with webbing,
Made herself a Chieftan’s headdress -
Wore it proudly all her days.