Cameroon

"A Jewel , Worth Its Treasure"

As it may seem

The die is cast

As the newsreels

Scream out loud .

Beneath dark clouds we stare

At crossroads where fortunes strain !
Clenched fists, deeds on the rock face
Stripes in the sand ; what lies ahead?

Many hands now stir the broth

Deep within the smoldering kit.

While the ancient barnacle

romps the alps, his brazen

stalwarts , the courtyard  tend 

with brutish contagion !

This place that legions duly love...

The same that wagers now reproach

This Africa in miniature

Is a jewel, worth its treasure.

If it were an egg within 

 The clasp of  malediction ,

Then all is lost - in a land

where cockerels rule .

Alas the tableau, though grim

Brims with hope . As the renderings

Of the scarlet brush speaks 

Of a table - lame of gait

 ....tottering yet kept astride

By potent offerings of the heart .

Take heed all you masons in the fold...

You - dark suits , white robes , blue collar

Red berets, khaki pants , green mangoes

Fancy Kabas, true patriots of goodwill .

This place that girds our hearts

The same that wagers now loath ;

This Africa in miniature

This  gift from kindred beards of yore -

Is a jewel ,well worth its treasure .

" Kaba" : ethnic garb, loose gowns typically by Sub Saharan African women.

By Hope Kalé Ewusi ©