Africa Poem by James Royster

Oh Motherland why do you bleed?
It must be painful to watch a war between
your own seed.

The rich blood now flows out of your vein.
Two sides who fight, with nothing to gain.

Both sides refuse to hide.
Do they not realize that they are
participating in a self-inflicted genocide?

They cause you to suffer, but they have a
blinded sight.
By killing their brother they think they are right.

The rattle of a gun has oppressed your sweet song.
This sad, new song will not cease until one
side has won.

Your beautiful skin has been destroyed by
bombs and tanks.
You have done so much, but no one wants to
stop and give thanks.