Cradle of Humanity

photo by Dan Heller

In the twenty first century

freedom looks to finally find

The cradle of humanity

come to test the ties that bind

 

How is it that the continent

from which we all must have come

Is only now finding freedom

out from under a despots thumb

 

We have surely come full circle

circumnavigating the world

Bringing us back where we began

while enlightenment is unfurled

 

The masses cry out for relief

they ache for the chance to breathe free

They want self determination

all deserve it as much as me

 

We lend our hearts to Africa

let them hear voices cry aloud

That they may know we weep for them

in suffering they may stand proud

 

Tate

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Author's Note

It is the one place we all can say touches us all.We all have our roots in the African nation.
May they find peace and freedom.

Reviews

[Deviant Works]

Oh my gosh, Tate. I could not love this piece more! Out of all the nations, Africa has a very special place in my heart. I came incredibly close to joining the peace corp several years ago because of my passion for the people, culture and what they suffer daily. What is sad, is the pictures we see in National Geographic, the images of crying children that flash across our television screens, is the truth. At times our eyes do not betray us and what is happening every moment in Africa lives with me. Illness, starvation, slavery, persecution, murder...the list goes on and on. Incredible poem, Tate. Really, really, really.

[Ice QueenJen]

Beautiful tribute to our forefathers, our true ones. My hearts and prayers go out to all the Lybians, their sacrifice will not be in vain. Unlike the crazy leader they are cursed with.

[Allan Eddings]

I do hope you will forgive me but this piece did not echo as strongly with me, as it seems to have done with others. I do assure you it is not for a lack of skill or brilliance on behalf of the author. I cannot truly explain why, but I shall try.

The notion of western enlightenment and western freedom as having only just now finding a fertile ground in the nations of Africa grates against me. Whether it is because there are many leaders in Africa struggling to forge their country's national destiny - Amadou Toumani Touré comes to the forefront of my mind; or perhaps it is the slight tinge of imperialism - perhaps paternalism is a better term? - in the sentiment, as if our particular brand of governance, philosophy and freedom, is the ultimate; or perhaps its the notion that the countries of Africa have not been a place of enlightenment and progress before now, when they have had such eminently gifted and enlightened rulers as Mansa Musa?

I do beg your forbearance and forgiveness, for although I may find the sentiment sincere, it still does not sit well with me. But putting aside that for a moment, this piece is as beautiful as it is heartfelt, so once again congratulations.

Sincerely,
A.E.

[Zeitgeist Manifesto]

Bravo Nate! This piece really warms the heart.
You've challenged the injustices of history with
a glimmer of hope. This is excellent work.

[Domo]

I don't know why but for some reason your work touches me the most. It's never repetative either, always something different, but the fact that you never clown around with a random topic is what impresses me the most.
I loved this piece, as well as all of your pieces. Great job Tate, and I'm sure that won't be the last time you hear someone say that to you.
~Domo~

[JanieB]

So well written.

[Call Me Blu]

I love it Like all of your poems i had to let it sink in and settle before understanding fully. Well done

[Coyote Poetry]

I went to Africa for three food and water mission. It will brake your heart to see the hunger and sickness. The President Clinton time he tries often to assist the countries in need. I don't know what happen? War took the world energy away from helping the poor countries in Africa. I agree with your poem. We must feed the hungry and try to heal the sick. I pray for common sense and peace. A outstanding poem.
Coyote

[black.butterfly]

that was a great write. it describes many the conditions of the world nowdays, such as egypt, sudan and libya. pieces that form the mother africa. thanks for sharing.

[Hollow Man]

simply lovely.

[Jūdan FyreHeart]

Some the half rhymes read a little weirdly to me. Otherwise a simple attempt at a heartfelt plea to help fellow humans.