Funom Makama Poet Ode

Notes About The Poem

This is a poem about Uganda which is one of the poorest countries in the world- lines 5-8. “I need to make a short call” is used to mean, going to the rest room- line 5. The Boda-boda is a form of motorcycle transport- line 7. It has 2 different dry seasons: between December and February and June and August- line 20.

Pearl of Africa

A Winston churchill’s declaration
to a tiny nation situated in the dark continent
due to its magnificence and sight capturing habitat
only matched by the electrifying effect of its hospitality.

A country where wealth has long made a short call
and yet to return to where it is needed.
Starvation on Boda-bodas, perambulating across its communities
as a longing for good life is never satisfied.

Yet happiness supersedes lack
on a nation which is tree loving;
a global competitor in Bananas, pineapples and Avocados
and a home to extinction-kissing Gorillas.

Satisfaction from pan fried grasshoppers
equates the appetizing feel of Italian pizzas and Turkish Donas.
Gender division of labour quite one-sided
where men are roof installers and women, the actual builders.

No wonder, female engineers and contractors
have long attracted the norm in a society
which is in love with Bicycles
and buttoned by a twin dry seasons.

Bwindi and Mhahinga are major game reserves
but its stand out feature so unique
is the simple fact it’s the youngest country in the globe
with one in every two, fourteen or below.

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Phyllis Babcock July 11, 2015 at 1:23 PM You show us your country thru your eyes in this excellent poem. It is nice to learn about other countries and you describe Uganda so well. love phyl Funom Makama January 28, 2016 at 12:18 PM Thank you very much Babcock

Duke Beaufort July 10, 2015 at 7:54 PM You are remarkable, sir! Your perspective and style are unique. I have seen nothing quite like this before. I wish you well. Funom Makama January 28, 2016 at 12:18 PM Thank you very much Duke

Cona Adams July 10, 2015 at 7:39 AM For those of us who have never been outside of our own country, it is good to learn of other places. Thanks for allowing us to see Uganda through your words. Funom Makama January 28, 2016 at 12:18 PM Thank you very much Cona

John Fleming July 9, 2015 at 3:13 PM Very informative, Funom...And a real eye-opener! My very best respects!! :) john Funom Makama January 28, 2016 at 12:18 PM Thank you very much John

James Fraser July 9, 2015 at 1:52 PM Funom, an absolute delight to read, and your words grace Uganda with such lush beauty that it has, very nice poetry indeed, James :) Funom Makama January 28, 2016 at 12:17 PM Thank you very much James

Elaine George July 9, 2015 at 11:15 AM Dear Funom. You have taken me there, and showed me the heart of this Pearl of Africa. Some of the happiest people I have ever seen, have been in what would be considered poorer lands and some of the unhappiest in rich lands...Hollywood being and example. I think happiness is found in places where people come together as an unit, each with the intention of helping each other to make a better world. Well done, my friend, Sincerely, Elaine C. George Funom Makama January 28, 2016 at 12:17 PM Thank you very much George

Ralph Sergi July 9, 2015 at 7:12 AM Hi Funom: A well historic poem go Uganda.My compliments and thank you for your commenton my Misjudged Funom Makama January 28, 2016 at 12:17 PM Thank you very much Ralph

Anne-Lise Andresen July 8, 2015 at 1:51 PM - A wonderful ode poem about the pearl of Africa, Uganda !!! - Sorry but I prefer a pizza, not pan fried grasshoppers :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Funom Makama January 28, 2016 at 12:17 PM Thank you very much Anne