Writing from Africa

Oh, Anderson
I am writing to you
from Africa
where a mountainous Sun
comes with a frown
on the naked sky

The Africa of my fathers
of ruthless warriors like Ajani
who wrestled death with bare hands
proud serpents like Mursi–
the mambas lurking in sub-Sahara

Africa of ageless gods
like songs of Water
mulungu, tano, kibuka, oshun

I am writing to you
from Africa
A splendorous motherland of
hunting bush meat in wild forest
Africa of alluring agriculture
wildlife and mountains
the Africa of mouthwatering Ugali

How can I not love my Africa
Africa of dripping beauty
Africa of stones and pebbles
Africa of milk, honey and water

Oh, Anderson
I am not white
I am black
I am not black Negro
I am black African!