In Defense of Africa

I have heard people declaim That Africa is the dark continent Plagued by war, sickness and famine The aridity of such a claim Has left my people to pine. Yes, I grant through the years, Africa has suffered from war, famine, and sickness. Yet, dear reader, is it Africa alone? From East to West, Death has reared himself a throne. I beseech thee, O reader, let thy ear be attentive To the confessions of Robin. For these declamations Have led many into error. It is not my intention To absolve Africa of her share of the blame Yet my beloved continent, Is both home to the good and the bad The best and the worst Why then dwell only, on all that is base. Lineal son of Africa that I am My heart bleeds - Seeing that the soothsayers and naysayers Are moving among our villages and cities Congesting our airwaves Shamefully declaring That the Ides of March have come Unlike Caesar, I dare - reply that they haven’t come and will never come! For mine experiences have taught me a lot of things And I dare you to discard that label hoary Coined many and many years ago by many a missionary. Allow me then to tell you Africa’s story For that is my sole ambition. Of her past glory I will say no more For the pyramids of Egypt will testify for eternity The Great Zimbabwe Ruins Stand tall and erect in the Savannah plains A monument to the greatness of their builders Don’t you dare believe that fable Told to many a school boy in colonial Africa days gone by That mine ancestors could not create such a piece of art Just go to my village this day And you will see many stonehouses standing A testimony to our heritage. Her natural beauty is second to none Heaven, excluded - for I am talking to men not angels. Since I am weary Let me tarry. God willing will continue tomorrow!