When the moon spreads her lace
across the African sky’s vast darkness
so that waves of soothing black
entwine themselves through her carefully woven beauty—
I will love you fervently,
permitting heart to fill with starry expectation;
But when she gathers up her dainty curtain,
pulling it close again
to her heaving breast,
allowing selfish sun to resume his haughty burn—
I will love you quietly,
and with gentle,
sad contentment.
For I am thankful
to know love, even unrequited,
for it writes its composition
upon the blankness of each hopeful page
of tender memory
and can be sought when nights are lonely,
and read again
when day snuffs out the drum of sweetest music
and so filling me—
(oh, savory sukima wiki!)
with everything I lack.
Author notes
Sukima wiki –used metaphorically here—in Kiswahili literally means “to stretch the week.” Sukima wiki is what we call greens, and can be grown readily and eaten as a source of rich nutrients when other provision is scarce, thus "stretching" the provision out for longer.
I have used both poem prompts by Leopold Sédar Senghor, of Senegal (1906-2001), as inspiration for this piece.
__________________
Translated from Femme Noir (Black Woman, lines 10-19)
Naked woman, dark woman
Ripe fruit with firm flesh, dark raptures of black wine,
Mouth that gives music to my mouth
Savanna of clear horizons, savanna quivering to the fervent
caress
Of the East Wind, sculptured tom-tom, stretched drumskin
Moaning under the hands of the conqueror
Your deep contralto voice is the spiritual song of the
Beloved.
________________
Love And the Sun (lines 12-17)
I think of you when I am walking or swimming,
Sitting or standing, I think of you morning and night,
When I cry in the evening, and Oh yes, when I laugh
When I speak to myself and when I remain silent
in my joy and pain. When I think and do not think,
My dear, I'm always thinking of you!
In a list
- 0-Personal Favorites • next in list
- 1-Golds • next in list
- Love Poems • next in list
- Time and Place • next in list
A contest entry
- ... Femme Noir...Leopold Senghor by Peteskid.
1000 points, ended April 12, 9 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 16 of 16
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I am not surprised you have all of these trohpies!
Everything you write is so magnificently worded.
'For I am thankful
to know love, even unrequited,
for it writes its composition
upon the blankness of each hopeful page
of tender memory'
That's the part that stood out the most to me.
Thank you for writing. An awkward comment, perhaps, but I'm simply amazed by what I have read from you.
~ Socky
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WOW!
This is an absolutely amazing poem! I am beyond words no wonder it won a gold! -
The expression of love and hopefull longing in this poem are very beautifully expressed and can clearly be felt and the scene is wonderful. The African sky is produces some of the worlds greatest light shows.
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again, well deserving of gold this is excellent bar none
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This is truly breath taking. It's not often when I say that I'm impressed. I mean when an impression is left. But this is impressive. Thanks for your author's note. Write on, poet. One.
Dez -
What a beautiful rendering in poetic form, this piece is awesome, I loved it, the soft trill that came with this piece is quite mesmerizing abeauty to behold Bravo
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liked first half better than second.
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This has a distinct African rhythm in it and the metaphor and use of language is done very nicely. I am drawn to it, but then Africa seems to do that to me *sigh...well done Bug! Love, C
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This is so lovely, as are all your wonderful love poems. Both of these prompt poems have inspired such lyrical verse. I thought the juxtaposition of "I will love you fervently" with "I will love you quietly" was so poignant. Although this poem has its roots in Africa, the universality of its message will attract readers from everywhere. Good luck in this contest. Peace, Liz
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Oh this is truly beautiful *sigh*. Such stunning imagery and metaphors, woven into a really breathtaking write.
Your talent never ceases to amaze me!
All the best with this
Gaylene
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Breath-takingly beautiful!
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I read this twice...It is so beautiful, and so much so, that I could not choose favorite lines because I would have to highlight the entire poem...I love emotion and the beautiful softness of language used in this...I really love every line...Sigh. I may have a new favorite of yours!
Bookmarking...
Lynda
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Lovely expressions of longing and loving. Outstanding "moon spreads her lace". Completely love the third stanza metaphor, "gathers up her dainty curtain...allowing selfish sun to resume his haughty burn!"
Great description, that "love, even unrequited,...writes its composition upon...each hopeful page of tender memory."
Very nice conclusion, esp with Author notes explanation.
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Your positively Brilliant.
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You are beautiful.
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Such rich beauty here in these verses, capturing so well a voice that reminds me of Senghor, humilty, gratitude for the gift of love; acceptance of a place in a world greater than ourselves, just beautiful-- wonderful depth of thought. Thank you for this fine entry into the contest and best of luck to you in the judging...PK
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