Oh Africa 

Oh Africa, weep not for me... 
since it is I, who must weep for you! 
For are those not the tears of the Maker 
that flow down your shiny cheeks 
and course through those arteries new and raw? 
Oh Africa 

Oh Africa, my soul mourns 
the days of our youth, now so long past, 
when you would succour me and I 
would nurture you 
and cherish your gifts so generously given... 
Oh Africa 

Oh Africa, alas no more - 
for, like a plague, the ravaging, seething, mass 
moves across your face... 
breeding..., breeding..., breeding, 
swarming, all consuming... devouring... 
Oh Africa 

Oh Africa, what will become 
of our beloved friends elephant, cheetah,
rhino, lion and little duiker?
Who will care for them now? 
And in your sickness, you struggle on... 
and now... the mass consumes your lungs... 
it stifles your breath... 
Oh Africa 
I weep... 

© 1996 Robin CS Webb