Essays, Art and Plays by Dan

Title: “Kanu’s Crew: Jungle Rhymes”

Characters:

• KANU: The wise and soulful leader of the troop, a silverback gorilla with a deep sense of compassion.
• TUMO: A fiery young male, always ready to challenge authority with swagger and energy.
• NIA: A caring female gorilla, Kanu’s closest confidante, nurturing yet tough.
• MZEE: The oldest gorilla in the crew, slow-moving but with knowledge that runs deep.
• KITA: A young and playful gorilla, full of questions and curiosity.

SETTING:

Deep in the dense, pulsating rainforest. The trees sway to the beat of the wild, and the air is filled with the rhythm of chattering birds and buzzing insects. In the distance, the faint hum of human machinery drops a different kind of beat—ominous and looming.

Scene 1

(KANU stands in the middle of the troop, head held high, surveying the jungle with a mix of authority and concern. NIA and KITA are chillin’ nearby, while MZEE lounges under a tree. TUMO swings down from a branch, his energy high and his eyes rebellious.)

NIA: (Eyeing Kanu) Yo, Kanu, you’ve been quiet today. What’s on your mind, king? You okay?

KANU: (With a slow, deliberate nod) Yeah, Nia, I’m hearin’ things in the breeze,
Humans movin’ closer, bringin’ down the trees.
Got the whole crew nervous, feelin’ this tension,
Man, I gotta lead with wise intention.

MZEE: (Chuckling) Hey, Kanu, you stressin’, tryin’ to keep it tight?
But age makes me wise, and wisdom sees the light.
Don’t let that fear mess with your mission,
Gotta find balance, keep the right vision.

KANU: (With a slow beat, deep voice) Mzee, I hear ya, that advice is gold,
But leadin’ this troop, man, it’s heavy to hold.
Gotta watch over each and every one,
From the smallest lil’ Kita to the boldest son.

TUMO: (Droppin’ down from his branch, full of bravado) What you talkin’ ‘bout, Kanu? We got muscle, we got might!
Let those humans try, I’ma bring the fight.
I’ll charge, I’ll roar, I’ll let ’em know we’re here,
No machine can mess with a silverback’s fear.

KANU: (Staying calm, but firm) Tumo, chill. Your fire’s got its place,
But battles ain’t just about the hardest face.
We gotta think smart, we gotta play it wise,
This ain’t just about roarin’, it’s about survive.

TUMO: (Scoffing) Maybe you too soft, maybe you too old,
Tryin’ to be peaceful while the story’s gettin’ bold.
But me? I’m ready, ain’t got time to wait—
I got fists, I got fury, I got a fate.

KANU: (With a hint of hurt, but steady) I feel you, Tumo, but let me set it straight,
Kindness ain’t weakness, it’s the strongest trait.
We protect, we adapt, we move as one crew,
That’s how we thrive when the danger comes through.

(Nia steps forward, touching Kanu’s arm gently.)

NIA: Kanu, you the realest, got that big heart,
You hold this troop together, even when it’s hard to start.
Tumo’s loud, but he’s scared, just like us,
You the one we trust, when things get tough.

TUMO: (Muttering) Guess love ain’t so weak when it keeps us afloat.
But still, Kanu, I ain’t down to just take note.

Scene 2

(The sound of machinery gets louder, echoing like a heavy bass drop. KITA rushes up to Kanu, wide-eyed and anxious.)

KITA: Yo, Kanu! What’s that crazy sound?
Feels like thunder, but it’s hittin’ the ground!

KANU: (Kneels, speaking gently to Kita) Relax, lil’ Kita, it’s just man’s way,
They clearin’ paths beyond, tryin’ to make us sway.
But we ain’t goin’ down, nah, not today,
We’ll find a way to keep ’em at bay.

KITA: (Innocent and worried) Will they come for us? Will we have to run?

KANU: (Smiling softly, but strong) Don’t worry, young one, we gon’ overcome.
If we stick together, if we hold on tight,
We’ll protect this jungle, we’ll make it right.

(Kita’s tiny hand meets Kanu’s large one in a reassuring grip. Nia watches, her expression warm.)

NIA: Kanu, you got that touch, both strong and kind,
You lift us all up, when trouble’s in our mind.
I see you with Kita, see you with Mzee,
You hold this crew with love—like it’s meant to be.

KANU: (Trying to stay confident) Nia, I try, but the struggle is real,
Gotta make choices that every heart can feel.
It’s like walkin’ a tightrope, a dangerous line,
Balancin’ fear with love, hopin’ things align.

MZEE: (Slowly approaching) Yo, Kanu, you know it’s not all black and white,
We bend and we flex, but we don’t lose sight.
Humans got their tools, but we got our soul,
We lose a branch today, but the tree’s still whole.

Scene 3

(Suddenly, TUMO bursts into the clearing, his arm bleeding from a fresh wound. He’s panting, his bravado shaken.)

KANU: (Rushing over) Yo, Tumo! What went down?
You look like you faced the wildest round.

TUMO: (Breathing heavy) I threw rocks at the humans, thought I’d make ’em flee,
But they got tools, man—they came for me.
I thought I was strong, thought I had the heat,
But their machines? Man, I had to retreat.

KANU: (Checking Tumo’s wound with a mix of care and sternness) I feel your pain, Tumo, but this was the cost,
When we go in angry, man, the battle’s lost.
Next time, we move smart, keep our heads clear,
No use in rage when danger’s near.

TUMO: (Humbled, softer now) I see it, Kanu, your way’s got depth,
You ain’t just tough, you think ‘bout what’s next.
It’s not just strength, it’s the care you show,
Protectin’ the crew, lettin’ love flow.

KANU: (Smiling warmly) Yeah, Tumo, that’s what it’s all about,
We keep each other strong, we ain’t without doubt.
But when we move together, when we got each other’s backs,
That’s the kinda strength no human attack cracks.

Scene 4

(The troop begins a steady march deeper into the jungle, led by Kanu. His stride is purposeful, each step a beat in the jungle’s rhythm. They pause for a moment, and Nia stands beside him as the sun starts to set.)

NIA: You led us right, Kanu, the troop’s movin’ strong,
You kept us together, like a perfect song.
We survived today, and we’ll thrive tomorrow,
You got a heart that don’t just borrow.

KANU: (Looking up at the trees, his voice deep and steady) Nia, it’s not about the roar, but the gentle way,
The whisper that stays when the world turns gray.
We got a long road, but we got our crew,
As long as we love, we gon’ make it through.

(The jungle comes alive with the sounds of a new beat—one of hope, unity, and survival. The troop moves on, deeper into the thick greenery, the distant sounds of human machinery fading behind them. The final image is of Kanu leading his crew, his steps strong, his heart open.)

END