Ghairo Daniels Poet Ekphrasis

From the Belly of Africa we Rise

we stirred our cauldrons in earthy heat
buck and goats gave sweet meats
stories around bonfires our grandma’s told
holding us close dearly, as we boldly unfold 

across brown hills we trekked with our shields
seeking fresh rivers and green hills for yields
found wild red roses as we danced with drums
porcupine quills giving us thrills, alongside plums

across Africa’s heart we bled our treads
found our queens, their tribal dresses intact
hands were painted, herbs on their heads 
everlasting were ancestral wisdoms a fact 

myriads of flora and fauna gave us inspiration 
spiralling our spirits across continent’s populations 
rainbow dues blood red with orange sunsets
emerald were hearts until we reached the north

here crimson held cobalt and pale blue hues
peacock feathers fluttering fell into wild heather
often we held reviews, as warring tribes withdrew 
rise was our inspirational purpose, wearing loin leather

from belly to heart to throat and foreheads
immaturity an impetus for evolutionary expansion
our whole was greater than sum parts with four legged
adventure, surrender, boundlessness our            
                                   satisfaction ~

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Fabric Art Wall Tapestry :  Appliqué & Image Embroidery : ‘From the Belly of Africa we Rise’ : Ghairo Daniels : 2020
Canvas & Carpet with various fabrics & haberdashery : feathers, beads, sequins, ribbon, buttons, porcupine quills :  105 x 105cm
Style: Expressionist Story Quilting
Source : Private : LINK TO PICS AT COMMENTS SECTION OF POEM 
Placed : 7th Premier Contest 
Sponsor : Brian Strand : April 26

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Paige Hind April 12, 2026 at 8:43 PM Just gorgeous, Ghairo. Wonderful portrayal of your roots <3 Hugs

Constance La France April 11, 2026 at 11:05 AM Ghairo, skillfully penned and congratulations on your win ~

Florence Bondarenko April 10, 2026 at 5:45 PM Your stitches are so beautiful! I love how you find a way to link it back to culture. Ghairo Daniels April 10, 2026 at 8:50 PM ThkU for your visit & comment, Florence. Blessings to your poetry too. X.

JC Brul April 9, 2026 at 2:17 PM Great one! Congratulations GD. ^___^ JCB Ghairo Daniels April 10, 2026 at 8:52 PM ThkU JCB, Shine on. X

I Am Anaya April 9, 2026 at 11:21 AM That really is some intricate stitching, beautiful embroidered. I love the woven woman in golden silk, most likey represting her wealth, or higher ranking. Inspirational written, true blue you girly, artful activism at its best, Africana. Congratulations on placing! Ghairo Daniels April 10, 2026 at 9:09 PM Shine on you too meisie. (Meisie = girly in Afrikaaps, normally used as slang by loving husbands for wives. )xx.

Karen Jones April 9, 2026 at 6:39 AM Fabulously written and deserving of your win! Congratulations! Love the fabric your link leads to! You are so talented! Ghairo Daniels April 10, 2026 at 9:11 PM ThkU KJ. Sure your forefathers & foremothers came from AfriKa ! ^~^

Victor Buhagiar April 9, 2026 at 2:00 AM Your poem is a celebration of Africa's history and the changes that occur. I used to think that a united Africa would have been a power to contend with. I was wrong. Still there is much to praise in your tribute to your country. Imagery abounds, especially the orange sunsets. You inspire triumph eventually. Ghairo Daniels April 10, 2026 at 3:40 AM Hi Victor ~ THANKYOU for read. The piece is called : “ from the Belly of Africa : Africa is a CONTINENT, not a country. I was triggered, as most Africans would be, by calling Africa a country. ThkU for the positive aspects of your comment. I appreciate. Have a good weekend.

Ghairo Daniels April 8, 2026 at 11:49 AM https://ghairodanielspresence.wordpress.com/2026/04/08/fabric-art-piece-from-the-belly-of-africa-we-rise-with-ekphrasis-poem/