by: David Diop
Africa my Africa
Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs
Africa of whom my grandmother sings
On the banks of the distant river
I have never known you
But your blood flows in my veins
Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields
The blood of your sweat
The sweat of your work
The work of your slavery
Africa, tell me Africa
Is this your back that is unbent
This back that never breaks under the weight of humilation
This back trembling with red scars
And saying no to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answers me
Impetuous child that tree, young and strong
That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew
springing up patiently, obstinately
Whose fruit bit by bit acquires
The bitter taste of liberty.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
David Mandessi Diop was born on 9th of July 1927 in Bordeaux, France. He was a French West African poet known for his contribution to the Négritude literary movement. His works reflect his anti-colonial stance. He died on the 29th day of August 1960 at Dakar, Senegal.
ABOUT THE POEM:
The poem is mainly about the effects of colonialism for African people. It traces the history of pre-colonial Africa, then shows the torture that its countrymen underwent during the colonial period and how they start afresh like a young tree. It expresses hope for a post-colonial Africa that can spring beautifully like a flower after finally being freed from the heavy, corroded chains of oppression.
The Scribes Legacy 