Africa

Somewhere over the rainbow, 
A great civilization flourished, 
And we discovered a wonderful kaleidoscope 
Of exuberant and vibrant humanity

Enchanted tones tell a story 
About a people made from dusk
And red clay 

They blend into caravans 
Of strong and beautiful faces 

The royal kingdom with majesty, 
Sits on the throne, 
And the mighty lion with pride, 
Rules its dominion 

Rights, rituals, and passages 
Speak of our greatness 

Traditions took from the ancients 
Are the seeds planted 

As we enter the sacred place, 
Paradise is never forsaken 

Behold, the true Garden of Eden, 
As we drink sweet water 
From the Nile River

Timbuktu astronomers study the heavens 

Mandingo and Zulu Warriors display 
War-painted colors like 
The broad plumage of a peacock 

They stand gripping tall sharp spears 
And poisoned arrow tips to launch, 
Thus, ready for battle 

Juju medicine man mix repeated chants, 
As he drifted into a spiritual dance 

At daybreak, 
We go down to the river flow, 
And shadows rise like the moon 

Hearts beat in rhythms 
Like fine-tuned African drums, 
And the rainy season 
Stay bound to Mother Earth

At the edge of a crackling fire, 
The enchanted medicine man 
Delivers magic words and potions 

Great powerful heavens 
Lift every voice up and sing, 
To the sweet harmony of Africa
Copyright © | Year Posted 2006

Poem

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Mason Avatar
September 13, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Excellent writing here Gregory and a wonderful selection to be featured this week here at the Soup. Congratulations!
Rider Avatar
September 11, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Wonderful imagery and the pride in the voice of this wonderful poem is outstanding! I have always wanted to visit Africa! So glad this was featured! Congratulations! ~Trudy~
Adeite Avatar
September 10, 2009 at 8:21 AM
This is a wonderful, awesome… poem,.; I love your style. You are such a great poet. Please keep writing and congrats on your poem being featured this week. Hope to read more of your wonderful poems. You are great friend! Adeleke, I am proud to be an African.
Jordan Avatar
September 8, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Gregory - Congratulations on having your poetry featured this week – God Bless, mj
Moreno Avatar
September 8, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Gregory, congrats on being featured this week...Raul
Fraser Avatar
September 7, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Congratulations on your wonderful poetry being featured this week>>James
Brown Avatar
September 7, 2009 at 7:31 AM
Congratulations on your excellent poetry being featured this week Gregory. Love, Carol
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