Angolan Strength

The rim of my Erembe in hand,
her quiet pace remains.

Today the Angolan sky spills liquid of my breast,
while her breath smothers the blank sounds
of the tired plains
(Colors of snowbird’s crest)
woven with the smoke and strain 
of yesterday.

My little Faiza, how were you able to run?

She carries the lone gaze of hours 
dizzily felt four and twenty ago:
the shedding, scraping of blood,
our village skin melts neath the sun,
color of cocoa,
scent of smoking gun.

Bear not burden or shame
upon your desperate frame,
my daughter.

Her face and a diamond linger
I know the worth each brings
(Special love and a shiny finger)

Such pretty things may bring about
a slaughter.

Though never 
the same,
Though never 
together,
each possesses a facet of pain.

The rim of my Erembe in hand,
her quiet pace remains.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Fraser Avatar
June 14, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Brilliant write on your homeland Michele, with your Erembe headpiece given creedence, well crafted>>James
Esquire Avatar
December 21, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Michele, Congratulations on YOUR Featured POEM "Angolan Strength" Very well written I to with daver and Sue would like to know what an "Erembe" is I like that thefirst and last stanzas are the the same it brings the POEM together Health and rosperity in the New Year...HG
Jordan Avatar
December 18, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Michele - Congrats on having your poetry featured this week – Merry Christmas & God Bless, MJ
George   Avatar
December 16, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Dear Michele, Congratulations on your feature of the week. lainie
Winter Avatar
December 15, 2008 at 5:29 PM
Congratulations on your featured write of the week! Warmest wishes for a beautiful holiday season. Love, Shar
Austin Avatar
December 15, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Congrats on the selection, Michele, but you'll have to let me into your head...What is an Erembe? Please explain the piece to me if you have time. Love, daver
Brown Avatar
December 15, 2008 at 6:44 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved poetry being featured this week. Love, Carol
 Avatar
December 14, 2008 at 2:56 PM
Interesting poem with much for the reader to think about. Congratulations on having it featured. Wishing you continued success with your writing. Karen
Mason Avatar
December 5, 2008 at 9:40 AM
I love the rhythm of this write, Michele. The first and last stanza tie it all together but I am not understanding Erembe ... your daughter's name is Faiza, right? So what is Erembe ... this is a beautiful write and I'm so glad you came back in November with more!! Glad you are a part of PoetrySoup and I look forward to reading a lot more of your writing!
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