The Africa I Know Poem by Kenneth Maswabi

In the recorded history of mankind
Africa is not a story of success
It's a story of toil and blood
Slavery and colonialism
Bread crumbs and poverty
Pandemonium and pandemics
Scary beasts and wild stories
Africa has never been about
Apricots and the good life
Milk and honey
Chocolate and wild berries
Peace and quiet
Tranquillity redefined
Simplicity at its best
Natural and untainted
Harmony and hospitality
Hugs and laughs
Sweet melodies and big drums
The spirit of Africa has never been shared
The truth is hard to swallow
Africa is a beautiful place
In its natural landscape
And good hearted people
Its diversity of colour
And multiple languages
Its undiscovered talents
Traditional medicine
And undeveloped beauty
Its beautiful shores
And wild berries
Africa is a gem
Uncut
Waiting to be discovered
Not by hands of selfishness
But by precious hearts
Not by hungry political ideologies
But by the spirit of Love
Not by calculating economists
But by selfless entrepreneurs
Not by blazing guns
But by good men and women
Not by big brands of capitalism
But by the heart of humanity

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