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The Pet

On the final day of the Coumba Lamba ceremony, we walked in procession toward the ocean. At the front of this colorful moving mass, an elder led the sacrificial bull, followed by the Ndeppkats and drummers. With the sun beating down, the procession wove its way through the narrow sandy roads. Dust filled the air as the crowd grew in size and momentum.

The procession would stop at various points as the Ndeppkats, accompanied by drumming, sang and danced. I moved ahead several yards and glanced back for a different perspective. For a brief moment, I was unsure of the place or time. I had the distinct feeling that this gathering and this procession were familiar. I literally had to shake my head to bring myself back to the present moment.

  Collecting myself, I walked ahead of the crowd and looked down a side street that seemed far removed from the ritual procession. There was this child in his own world, oblivious to all except his desire to share his love with his pet.