Before The Shadow Of Africa Poem by Ekwueme Kelechi

I will hide behind the mask
After I've taken a walk with the day
And empty my eyes
Before the shadow of Africa

I will stay there and number
The marks of injustice
Which made my heart weak
I will give them names

I will replicate Mary Magdalene
Whose tears blinked the feet of Jesus
But before the shadow of Africa
Where my eyes shall send-forth her child to work

She shall send forth some
As libation to the land
For it must be done
To notify my ancestors

To plead with them to come for a just course
Africa! Hear the sound of my tears
The tears of your own
Your own, who cherishes you as a culture, tribe and life

(c) EKWUEME KC