Africa is no distinct fashion style to be admired for its exotic
qualities. It is a people.
Africa is in my skin, in the smooth dark, velvetiness of it.
It is in the palm kernel oil that makes me glow.
Africa is in me.
Africa is in the way the paddles hit the surface of the
water.
It is in the colours tied about the long boat
It is in the vibrant movements of the paddlers.
Africa is vigorously graceful
Africa is in Atilogwu
It is in the slashing steps of the dancers and the reckless
twists that leave one gaping
It is in the proud firm breasts that dare you, the haughty
flick of the head
Africa is carefree
Africa is in the many colours of the akwete
It is in the tall and wide gele
It is in the smooth cornrows
Africa is regal
Africa is in the veins on the hard arms of our young men
It is in their quick response to danger and the way they
protect their women
It is in the sound of the drums that cause my heart to beat
in its rhythm
Africa is strong.
Africa is in the sassy tone.
It is in the sharp tongue.
It is in the spirit that went through chains with head high
and shoulders squared.
Africa is all of us.
Wow!!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, Velvetiness is a new word in my bag. More importantly, this poem is seamless and resonating.
I'd have said thumbs up, but rather, I'll say Ji Sike...the African way.
Thank you very much. Seamless is an effect I didn't think I could achieve.
DeleteAbout "velvetiness",well, I'll say something about creative license and leave it there. Thanks again.
Nice piece on Africa.
ReplyDeleteIt is ironic that though Africa is no distinct fashion style yet it is a way of life and that way of life is distinct to Africa. ��
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
DeleteAfrica, see how unique you are.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this beautiful piece; nice use of imagery in poetry .
Thank you. Ndewo
DeleteKeep it up.... I'm impressed
ReplyDeleteMerci Beaucoup Mon frere
Deletethis is good, i'm stealing it
ReplyDeletei'm loving it
ReplyDeleteI clicked on the link you provided on your facebook timeline, and 'Africa' came screaming down at me with your 'smoothbuddiness'! Now, that's my way of saying your piece was succulent! Well done, Anita!
ReplyDelete#IkiemoyeIniamagha
#Smoothbuddy
#TheDayHeavenSlept
My goodness! I just saw this comment. This is a lot coming from you, Sir. Thanks so much. I'm glad you like it.
Delete