Fort Jesus, Mombasa Poem by Ole Makau Samuel

Most beautiful fort
It stopped the enemy from going in
The walls hard and strong
No one could go in I thought

I built my fort too
Hoping that no one would penetrate
Strong walls around my heart
People have a way of finding a way in.

How did the Portuguese get into
Mombasa Island
How did you find your way into my
heart's isolated island
At least they planted cloves and they grew
In my heart you don't plant anything that
will grow.

The sultan happily welcomed you
I welcomed you too
The community got stung
I prefer to go than be stung
History always repeats itself.