In Malawi the staple of sun kissed maize is replaced by millet because rain
heavy clouds are fickle so water either squeezes or streams
from the petulant sky. The rainy seasons cannot be depended upon
because gods are fickle, and Malawi is not now within sight of the Imperial
Chinese eye. The government looks to uranium, oil and gas
to bring them the money they need. Destroying the land, the food that is grown
upon which the masses must feed. Uranium for the arms rich countries who use
precious corn to power their black hearted motors. Oil and gas to satiate the hunger
and scorn of the world’s Industrial monsters. Malawi will farm and her rural
poor will struggle until their land disappears for good. Mine shafts will tunnel
beneath her bright fields where proud black farmers once stood. And Zimbabwe,
once the Bread Basket of Africa shudders under the weight of Mugabe’s hasty decisions
and pride. Now bellies are swollen with hunger and maize from South Africa
is trucked in to stem the desperate tide. And imagine vast DR Congo with its forests
and its grand River of life, strong enough to power the continent as a whole! But Rwanda,
Uganda and Angola conspire, Zimbabwe and Namibia weigh in
to slice up the Congo and its soul. Africa, your mothers bleed sorrow
and your daughters tremble in fear. Your sons grow
weary from carrying guns and your fathers know only tears. Join hands, forgive trespass,
till the soil and grow maize once again. Your future is suckled on unification,
your gamble
is blown by the wind.
© Tina Zabielski 2011-2019