The Land of Awe

At first we seemed to slope Low and low, I thought we could drop Then snaking through the hills, we rose And I imagined the valleys could close Yes! This was the land of awe I peered through the windows and saw The hills resembled a big cat’s raised paw Indeed they made the terrains afar a desire For mine eyes couldn’t stop but admire Yes! This was the land of awe The plantains darted everywhere in joy Dancing beneath seemed the cassava’s ploy Were they seeing the glint in my eyes? Their response was such a dice! Yes! This was the land of awe Then palm trees in rows as folds in a foil I could smell the richness of the soil And left to dreamily savor its oil Pondering on the folk’s toil and moil Yes! This was the land of awe As the city drew nigh Mine being lit with a sigh At the thought of meeting with the women and men That walked majestically along the streets and down the lane For indeed, this was the land of awe! (A Trip to Bujumbura, Burundi)