Another Day In Africa

In Africa another day is born At dawn The optimist awakes To a world that’s bright with receding night Hope and promise of things new A world where dreams come true In Africa another day is done At dusk with setting sun The pessimist seems right In the fading light Of yet another day Where despair and failure Lie strewn along his way Africa’s sun at noon Hangs suspended in the sky Held in equilibrium And pulled between the two This dark continent illuminated Her wonders and woes exposed, juxtaposed And in the balance Dangles her destiny Rhythmic people sing their songs prolifically In unmatched harmonies Ladies curtsey in respect Where culture holds the sway Noisy kids at play The epitome of community They learn to serve and share and care Well muscled men with pride defend Their dark identity Your people with poise and patience Meekness and strength Move along unhurriedly You’re blessed abundantly Game runs free Stunning lakes and rivers, forests and plains And summer rains Busy markets bustling with traders And splashed with colour All enhance your wonder Africa the cradle of humanity If true begs a question or two Why have you not advanced? And why are you so poor? Hungry children with hollow eyes Roam around in rags Corrupt dictators with degrees Have learned to take a bribe Your breadbasket has become a begging bowl Migrants in their thousands leave your shores Because of wars In search of greener fields With arrogance you name and blame It’s not your fault So you become the victim The one entitled to You’re held in chains and still not free Although you brag of Madiba’s legacy