Africa

 Like Thabo Mbeki, I’m an African.

I was born in this land and in it I shall die

And everyday Africa is reborn in me

I eat from her soil and drink from her streams

She too is replenished by the hands of her people

Their flesh and blood fertilise the plains

Our heroes: who gave their lives to reclaim this land for their children

I speak of Steve Biko,

Of Muammah Gaddafi and many of the like.

The patriots who understood the worth of Africa

A ridge-shaped head in the north

Also a rounded face in the west,

Her horn-like tail in the east

A concave stomach at the centre

And a pointy but stable step,

Stemmed between two oceans in the south

Africa is beautiful!

Whether you see a tireless woman

Or a mighty elephant in her.

It holds expanses of deserts for non-weary travellers

Mountains, valleys and forests

Her reserves of flora and fauna are teeming

Lillies and lions

Ferns and furs

Thorns and paws

Africa has it all

She had men fall in love with her!

They fell at her feet or threw fits:

Shaka wanted her all to himself

Even Cecil Rhodes came from far off lands to lay claim

Gifts exchanged hands in her name

Guns and spears carried carnages with her as victory

For Africa holds treasures in their hordes

When she sings, ears stand up

For her melodic voice is unmatched

When she cries, others take heed

They try to sideline her,

Yet they know just how much they need her.

I pin my faith in Africa

Because it is the cradle of humankind

And the hope of multitudes

Africa, my Africa!