Africa is the world . . as it was . . and as it will be
A place full of contrasts and contradictions
Where beauty and cruelty go hand in hand
Where sunsets exceed all description
And God’s presence leaves you gasping
The sounds of the night, the heat of the day
Big animals, small animals, and insects galore
And people, yes . . the proud and beautiful people
They are blessed, cursed and even hunted . .
From Somalia with its cruel Warlords . .
To Kilimanjaro and its stunning vistas
Africa is . . Africa . . vast and unfathomable
From the thundering roar of Victoria Falls . .
To the eerie silence of the parched desert wastelands
Africa is the cradle of man . . and the future of mankind
It is the basis of our planet . . and a riddle to be solved
Africa is sorely in need . . with everything in excess . .
The beauty, the animals, the people, the customs
A country wanting . . yet a country that is dearly needed
It is a place where a lifetime will only scratch the surface
Africa can never be explained. . it can only be experienced
You ask me about Africa . . to hope to begin to know Africa
You must first . .reach into your very own soul . .
For picture postcards will not supply the answers . .
To this beautiful spiritual land . . Africa . .
A contest entry
- Thoughts To Take With Me by Cannonsfire.
300 points, ended March 30, 2007, 18 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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Before I proceed I will point out that Africa (the "Motherland" to some of us) is referred to in your poem as a country. It is not. It is a continent (though I do not mean to scold, it seems a bit disparaging when anyone I know refers to the great land of beauty as a country).
I have never been there. I think that when I am finally able to I will visit and explore both the land and its people. While I have seen dazzling pictures of wildlife, the stark contrast with the extreme poverty most of the peoples of Africa live in jars me into an emotional upheaval. Through all the wars and despite the natural wealth the continent maintains both in resources and wildlife, it is a collection of countries disenfranchised and seemingly ignored by the "developed" world. So, in that sense, you are exactly right in saying that Africa is a place of contradictions.
And, for me, the poem makes you want to know more. It would be, for me, a journey for the ages. I like this poem and how it brings both elements together.
Thank you, as always, for sharing your thoughts with us.
Many blessings,
Raven Aurora
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This takes my breath away, the feelings you capture as so the Africa I want to learn to know. Just priceless and a joy to take away with me, thank you so much
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