David Smalling Poet Free verse

Amilcar

Genius is not a gift to amass self
But must produce and share
The legacy of hunger planted in us
Must grow dreams that men can reap.
Amilcar, you are my perfect genius
Found only in an emancipator's heart;
You are our Bolivar, and Tousaint
You are the Fanon in a soldier's heart.
I hope they taught the people 
How corn must be grown for the table,
How to grow what they eat and save
What the ants cannot carry away. You
Taught us men do not fight for ideas,
But for their belly and their children's
Dream. I hope they do not turn schools
Into soldier barracks constantly. I hope
My people listen to you and are free.
I want you to ring in freedom's heart.

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Robert Pettit August 18, 2012 at 1:37 AM Good poem to read. However, could you give us some background about this person you write about? He has the same name as a Carthaginian general during one of the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage. David Smalling August 18, 2012 at 2:03 AM Amilcar Cabral was the revolutionary leader in Guinea-Bisau struggle from Portuguese oppression. He was an agriculturalist by profession (studied in Portugal), and a visionary humanitarian. Assassinated before Guinea's liberation was complete.