Solomon And Sheba Poem by Kojo Owusu

Splendor and majesty howling afar
Fame and wisdom and riches
Rippling in our skeptical oasis
Let us go with this caravan and spices
Gold and precious stones
Let us sail through the barren land with
The ship of the gritty furnace to the ruler
Of the unique race with pomp and pageantry
Shine – ornate embellishment - adorn our queen
Let the air be filled with charming ecstasy
Let the burdened camel sail through
Desert storms and harrowing hurricane
Don’t let us be discouraged
Let us endure it patiently for what prospect
Of wonderful things to come when
Her curiosity is satisfied
And after this hard journey
We would say yes –
We have moved through
Difficulties, pains and agonies
Cast upon a blasted sand
We have come through
Howling and growling waste
To the pillar – the lighthouse
The wisest king ever
And when we reach the palace
There we shall know that our journey
Of journeys was not in vain
So let us move on fellow servants
Don’t be discouraged
Let us move on.



SHEBA

From what I have heard of your
Wisdom and achievements and overwhelming abilities
Was a myth – was scanty and insufficient
Now I can see you with my naked eyes
Your wonderful establishments – your golden palace
Your servants and cupbearers have bewildered and confounded me
It is surprisingly surpassing – beautiful.
Your law and statutes and faith in the lord.
And even how you answered my hard riddles with ease
Truly what I have seen is more than I have heard
Of you king of kings.


SOLOMON

Ebony grain of the desert
Black beauty with bewitching eyes
And a wild feminine courage
You have endured with heaving breasts
And beautiful face as charming as sun rise
Not tainted by the void of desert blast
The road to fame and riches and wisdom
Is very long and hard
But with determination and willpower
And the fear of the lord
You are bound to succeed and exceed in all things.