The Dark Continent

At dusk the men come back from the white man's field,

with hoes and a sack of food on their shoulders and mpanga's in their hands,

At dusk the women begin to sing the welcome song,

for their husbands and children who return to eat her well cooked food.,

When the burning sun goes to sleep and the crystal moon awakens,

the drums begin to beat and the circle of warm fire is born,

the horns are blown and the people awake from the slumber of a trance,

men with their mats and drink, women with their beads and song,

children with their dances and laughter, elders with their stories and smile,

the drumming, the chatter, the dance, the laughter, the shouts in cohesion,

bring to life the dragon of colour and the Earth shakes with genuine rejoice,

they sing, dance, talk, drink, jump, play, laugh, love, live in the open

and when all is done the people sleep together, knowing no harm will come.

Then...

At dawn the men rise and return to the white man's field,

with their hoes, mpanga's and a kiss farewell from his family.

At dawn the women begin to cry goodbye

for their husbands and children head out to the white man's world.

Why are we the Dark Continent?

When we have the most love and happiness?

Why are we the dark continent?

When we are open with our trusted family, our trusted community,

Why?

Africa,

you are who you choose to be

not who they tell you, you are.

Destiny cannot be oppressed,

unless you allow it.

Remember who you are. Remember where we are.