I Am Africa

I held the stumbling humanoid, Standing on two feet, scared as an alien I am his cradle and his playground Even before he was named *****Sapien. Watched him crawl on hands and feet, Watched him grow, move and trail His mind having lost all its restraint Unknown quest beckoned his first sail Wandering unhinged in the oceans midst Lost his color, lost his curl Breathing the air on land unknown Came back white as a polished pearl Placed himself on a glittering throne Uttered words, harsh and foreign Ruling all with his reeking greed Brandishing his spear, sword and the gun Started digging my gut for diamond, Chafing oil off of my skin Pulling out my heart of gold Making mules of his kith and kin Chained his brothers, labeled for sale, Subjected them to conditions sinister Bent and flogged all their lives Sisters raped at will of their master I silently watched the macabre play, Where no one but he smiles My eyes oozing out warm tears To fill at least a dozen Niles Ate my arms and thighs for dinner, Bathed me with blood each night As he danced in a trance unashamed But I Africa —I refused to die Written :04/25/2017