Psalm 63:1-8
A Psalm of Sengbe Pieh aka Joseph Cinqué his prayer from the boat right before the overtaking of the ship. 

Ngewo-Ngewo*, there is water everywhere.
This ship holding me captive 
is surrounded by water I cannot touch or drink.
We drift farther away from the land of the Mende.
Where there was water enough all.
Where the rivers whispered your name.
Where I saw you in the faces of my people.

My soul thirsts for you,
while my flesh faints from hunger and abuse.
The stars declared your presence.
The trees breathed your name.
None of this I see from the belly of this ship
where I am held captive in chains and filth
by those whose souls are dry and weary. 
They say I do not know you.

I experienced you in the sacred places.
You were the sanctuary I remember.
You kept me safe and sheltered me from harm.
I saw your power in the wind, the thunder, the lighting.
Now upon these rough seas as they roll
I feel you in the swell of the waves.
Even in captivity I praise you, because I feel you near.

Ngewo-Ngewo, God of the Mende, I seek you in this place.
My soul is satisfied in you.
Your Spirit invigorates me giving me the resistance I need.
I lift up my hands and call on you for strength to deliver me.
My lips praise you, I am satisfied as with a rich feast.
I meditate on you into the quiet of the night.
My soul clings to you knowing your right hand
will vanquish my oppressors.


* Ngewo-Ngewo is the supreme god of the Mende people of Sierra Leone and Liberia.
A Psalm for Amistad Sunday


Written by Karen Georgia A. Thompson
28 February 2021