Pride of the Motherland

Riding an elephant Down the narrow trail looking triumphant Scanning the golden landscape Like Hannibal with enemies in flight Sight from a lofty height King of the jungle moving With lioness by his side Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Guides by my side with packs on their backs Some paths steep with rocks Boots slipping below our tired feet Beautiful birds in unison flight Moving with terrestrial light Stunning sunlight summit on the peak Praying in an Ethiopian Church Preserved in rocks built by humans’ hands Never touched by conquest plans Protected from the invaders’ footsteps Queen of Sheba and Solomon’s nest Touched by Arch of the Covenant Mary, Joseph, and Jesus once slept Eating yam, sipping palm wine, and tasting milk Freshly squeezed by experienced hands Taste of life in the mosaic grassland Sustaining and soul refreshing Cradle of humankind adorning Invaded for its gold, riches, and human capacity Birth of life on earth with tenacity Respecting its living and arduous journey Essence of life once was and is again to come Riding a camel across the hot Sahara sand Once wet now dried, exported gold from Mali… Treasures from the hearts of once African empires That which was, is, and shall forever be Africa the birthing Motherland We still love and respect thee! ~~~~~~~*******~~~~~~~ Seventh Place Winner "African's Pride" Poetry Contest Sponsored by Adeleke Adeite June 30, 2010 ~~~~~~~*******~~~~~~~ © Joseph S. Spence, Sr., (Epulaeryu Master) 6/29/2010 All Rights Reserved, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA