Refused To Die

I held the stumbling humanoid,
learning to stand on two feet- scared as an alien.
I was his cradle and his playground—
even before he was called *****Sapien.

Watched him crawl on hands and feet,
watched him grow, move and trail
His hungry mind lost all its restraint.
Unknown quest beckoned his first sail.

Wandering unhinged in the oceans midst,
lost his color, lost his curl.
carrying in his lungs, an air unknown,
came back white as a polished pearl

Uttering venom, harsh and foreign, 
guarded by spear, sword and the gun—
crushing all with his reeking greed
placed himself on a glittering throne

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 them 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. 

Devoured my arms and thighs for dinner,
bathed me with blood each night
as he danced in a trance unashamed.
But I Africa did not die,not quite.

Written 04/29/2016
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Sietesantos Avatar
June 16, 2016 at 1:50 PM
Hi Sara, congratulations on a great well-deserved win! Powerful piece! Pandita
Chansarkar Avatar
June 17, 2016 at 9:17 AM
Thanks Pandita for your time and encouragement!
Williams Gault Avatar
June 12, 2016 at 9:51 AM
Such gripping detail of venomous attacks. Intensely written, congratulations!
Chansarkar Avatar
June 12, 2016 at 10:20 AM
Thanks a lot Dineen!
Misra Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 11:02 AM
An excellent comment on the imperialist mindset, Sara. Congratulations on your placement. ~karam~
Lamoureux Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 7:55 AM
A very interesting piece, I enjoyed it. Congrats on your win.
Chansarkar Avatar
June 9, 2016 at 9:28 AM
Thanks Richard!
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