Africa!!!

She is the mother place of all humanity.
From her womb was birthed the first man.
The first self aware and inventive beast,
Standing erect, carrying tools of his own invention.

Science tells us that in the beginning....
All men were black of skin, Negroid of features,
With very limited amounts of body hair.
Befitting of the Continent that bore them.

Great civilisations rose and fell on her bosom.
In Egypt, Kush, Ethiopia, Somalia, Ghana,
While cities like Khartoum, Axum and Timbuktu rose,
We pale-skinned peoples were still living in caves.

Remember Stanleyville and Leopoldville and Carthage.
Remember Rhodesia, Zaire and Zimbabwe. Remember.
Tribes, not nations, in Rwanda, Sudan, Chad, at war.
Little peace, if any, protects the innocent and weak.

Still, the peoples are joyful and positive in outlook.
The Fishermen of Eritrea and Capetown, laugh for the fish.
The Masai, since the dawning of time, are cattlemen.
While Ethiopia is home to the oldest continuous Christian church.

Africa is a land no man may conquer but all men desire.
A continent where desert sands or jungles easily swallow,
And digest entire civilisations, leaving only scant traces.
I cannot but love the Continent and its inhabitants.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
December 27, 2010 at 10:04 PM
what a tribute to Africa. Shows your great knowledge of it too, William. LUv, Andrea
Hero Aka Hero-Wilson Avatar
July 11, 2010 at 11:05 AM
Excellent Poem Congrats on being featured! Rhonda Hero
Horsman Avatar
July 9, 2010 at 2:20 AM
excellent rendering of Africa, brilliant read! up there with the best Harry
Brown Avatar
July 6, 2010 at 3:58 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week at PoetrySoup William. May you have many more features. Love,Carol
Adeite Avatar
July 5, 2010 at 12:04 PM
Again, Congrats William, on having your poem being featured on the Poetry Soup homepage this week, you are such a great talent! Keep up the great writes, and enjoy the honor. Love, Adeleke
Fisher Avatar
July 5, 2010 at 7:49 AM
Many congrats on your feature and your win in Adelekes comp. Rgds Janette
 Avatar
July 4, 2010 at 7:29 PM
What a wonderful way to give us a flavor of Africa. Congratulations on your contest win and your feature too. Two honors for one poem. Wow!!! Enjoy your successes. Karen
Conway Avatar
July 2, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Wonderful write! A hearty Congrat's on your win!~Tirzah~
Brown Avatar
July 1, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Congratulations William on your win in Adeleke Adeite's contest "Africans Attutude" Love, Carol
Haick Avatar
June 30, 2010 at 9:20 PM
My congratulations Mr. Kershaw! A fitting tribute to Mother Africa for sure! Peace, audrey
Sweetheart Avatar
June 30, 2010 at 3:11 PM
Congrats Will on your willing poem in the African attitude contest with this wonderful write and amazing trip to the dark continent in your words.. enjoy your special win . with luv from the "Sweetheart" in Hawaii .. on vacation.. always thinking of my Soup family.. like u.. luv..
Adeite Avatar
June 30, 2010 at 12:19 PM
This piece is just incredible! I love each lines and the passion with which you write, you roamed in africa. this is great! Accept my warm congrats. Thanks for supporting my contest. I wish you all the best with your writings. You are going places! Love, ~Adeleke~.
Devonshire Avatar
June 29, 2010 at 2:54 PM
An outstanding reflection on the origins of man, Bill, and a great tribute to the contributions of the African people. Adeleke will love this poem as much as I do. It can boost her pride in her homeland! Love, Carolyn
Sweetheart Avatar
June 29, 2010 at 12:26 PM
Great write on the continent of Africa William and good luck in Adleke's contest.. I entered The Dark Continent ..an awesome nation to research... and lovely country too.. good luck..my friend.. with luv from the "Sweetheart" in Hawaii...
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