Africa, My Africa

A poem by Ola Joseph Kolawole 

Back in the years of the b.c. 

When I was but a spirit in the heavenlies

Spying over the happenings on this miraculous planet,

I majored on the study of continents… 

I had special interest in this spectacular one Traced back to Cush, 

a man of colour Blessed by Eledua – the Creator of creation Obviously vast, leading her equals Her land expanded by the hours – 

They called it Ethiopia 

and the Egyptian empire 

She was first in making wonderful inventions

And not lagging behind in linguistics and education

Her map became a riddle for the WISE: 

Looking at the map from the west, I see a gun. 

Firing out intellects and academics 

Imparting the whole wide world with wisdom. 

Looking from the east, 

I see a big foot, Walking around the world Preaching her precious cultural heritages 

Looking from the north, 

I see a big Yam, 

Everybody comes to take a bite 

From this yam that gives a taste of divinity Looking from the south, 

I see a big steady rock Many come to it for shelter – Others, 

to mine from her treasurable resources. 

Now, here is the riddle for the WISE – 

Shall we pull the trigger of the gun with our foot… 

And fire out a bullet of yam to the rock… 

And perhaps, Africa will be that Goshen again? Selah! ------------ 

The poem appeared on www.authorsden.com