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trek north dromedary on gold
coloured sand my spirit seeks solace dip into the river of
life from delta to source I was the back on
which monuments to honour
the dead were built
on languid afternoon sail south little dhow show me
the tranquillity of your harbours where I may seek
refuge sit by your miradors to watch the world go by
take me with you west wind let me join the regal baobabs' dance and be
seduced by the startling kohl-lined eyes of men turned
maidens turned men I want to stand by the shore as graceful
long-necked women with great fish baskets on
heads arms outstretched teach me to rain dance and to draw and
weave bold mystic symbols on walls and cloths I am the wild laughter of
urchins tripping along valleys and hills
soar east little bird to lush savannah where buffalo sleep I am the gazelle
dreaming swift and magnificent
stand be still at the centre my heart
desires to ask the age-old keepers of the cosmic forests how long
the trees have been weeping tire not little
bird soon you will rest listen to the mighty
oceans sing this land of diamonds is yours mine ours
this land of gold is yours mine ours
this land of silver is yours mine ours I am the potent splendour of a
rock clinging to the earth this is my world welcome
to my world

• Mshairi is a Kenyan poet and blogs at

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