I said I was leaving Poetbay forever, but three people have touched my life. They are ANONYMOUS.


Within the Heart of Africa

The history of Africa is the struggles of the world;
gruesomely
the torture of the children with round-bellies is
slavery

I could dance to the drums of death; wiggle my buttocks to the rhythm of violence
but I would never have the drums
dance to my rhythms in the twilight

I might beguile myself by standing with the willows in my hand
but I won't shudder
when the trees mumble because of me; when the air is suffused
with pride

I have traversed the world with my eyes; trekked the deserts with my legs
and seen the camels speak through the nose
the horses whinny in solemn ways

After a hectic walk from slavery, I have been embedded in slavery
swapped with the ridicules of the world
mocked and jeered at for my skin colour

Just right before the world became hostile to us, we led it
ruled the minds of our foes
melted our words within the shores of their heart

Of what use is the Negro race? Of what use is the turmoil faced each day? We thronged
with chains round our necks
like animals being tethered to

the market
our pride lost

and our happiness enraged, for they know nothing about our past




Poetry by Onyeka Nwelue
Read 1093 times
Written on 2006-06-16 at 14:57

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Christoffer Waye
Its so true, and the truth is it will be some time before this will ever change, there is still so much unjustness in Africa, but someday it will change, because people cannot stay evil forever, when they have the choice to do so much good.

Great poem!
2007-01-07


Fawole Babafemi
great from a nigeria heart.
like to know you more because i am of u as a nigeria.

from babafemi fawole
2006-11-18


Arti
This is such a sensitive, heart-breaking poem!
"The history of Africa is the struggles of the world;
gruesomely
the torture of the children with round-bellies is
slavery"
I'm looking forward to reading more of your awareness raising sensitive poems like this. I'm sure glad u decided not to leave!
((hugs))
Arti.
2006-06-16


Kathy Lockhart
The history of Africa is the struggles of the world;
gruesomely
the torture of the children with round-bellies is
slavery
That sentence is powerful! I would like to copy this as a favorite quote and place in on my page, quoting you of course.
This is imaged-filled, thought provoking, and enlightening!
2006-06-16