Dust of Africa
For ever- and a thousand years, Africa has been our home,
and when our ancestors returned to dust, they became her fertile loam.
So the dust of the deserts and of the plains is part of our ancient line,
and their age-old voice has whispered to us, from before the beginning of time.
Their spirit’s calls out, for you to return, and visit them if you will,
so you finally came back, to the cradle of man, to answer this ancient pull.
By now you know, the fate I warned, has inevitably come to pass-
that the dust of Africa has filtered in, and found its way to your heart!
Now the ancient motes of the ancient land, evermore will be
embedded in your head, and in your heart, where you may think none can see
-but the ancients know, that your visit home has made you, for the first time, whole
and that the land of your fathers, fathers, father is now infused in the depths of your soul.
So they will sing in your sleep, to their dust in your veins, more sweetly than ever before
till you return once again, to journey with them through the land that gave birth to us all
Russell Gammon
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
