I Am An African Farmer

I wear a toga bigger than the life I live
I know who I am so I scream aloud, clear
My name means unlimited abundance
Cultivating the earth is a blessed calling
Transcending generations even unborn 
For man, food must be, for life must be
I know who I am, a facilitator typified 

Learning in life has made man conquer forever 
My contemporaries smile, they chose to learn 
Like they sow, the more they keep reaping

My shepherds are led by their noses and stray
My portion varies wildly from existing branding
I reap with the pests and weeds and back ache
Years of manual tilling has tilted my pose
The sun has melted my swagger, resistance I am 
I have never seen tractors only hoes behold 
Monies for farms fund party rallies, orgies
Agricultural subsidies strictly for city men
No knowledge of chemicals and plant food

The human factor beats them all 
The little harvest must be shared to bear 
Streams of humans surviving on tiny bits
To share for us is tomorrow lived and beyond 
While the bourgeoisie wallow during filthy wealth  
These calloused hands they are bent to tear
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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

Be the first to comment on this poem. Encourage this poet.

Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace