West African Sun

I love West Africa’s Sun

Shining bright

Beaming vibrant energy

Penetrating earth’s center

Giving life to this citadel on earth's equator



Tanned skin

Dark chocolate candy

Earth yields

And flows with its bounty



Sweet yams

Fresh corn

Sprouting vegetables



Strong scented-meat

roasting on wooden spines

Goats and rams

Wild chickens and boar



Youthful energy

Skips and hops

Feet grazing against

earth’s red soil

Women’s hips gyrate

Rhythmically



Earthy hands

Scoop water from the spring

Clay pots balance

on sore scalps

As we toil and laugh



In the shade of trees

We find rest

Muslims and Christians

Idol worshippers, herbalists

And voodoo doctors



We devour the flesh

Of zesty fruits

Licking our juice-laced

fingers

Enjoying the warmth of

West Africa’s Sun



This is true harmony

This is true oneness

Let earth feel her worth

Let dreams be birthed

(by Uzo Ugwu)