Kilimanjaro Rises
Kilimanjaro rises to meet the moon
as elephants roam the Serengeti below.
It was here I last saw your smile
so many winters ago.
I saw ages travel,
snow melting in miles
feeding fertile valleys
with wild, white Marigolds.
Sister elephants
told stories of the lion’s hunt
and carried you on their backs
into African dreams
and starlit serenades.
Back when “the People”
began their long journey into
human nature consciousness.
~~~
Kilimanjaro rises,
its long shadow casts us in pain
and drought and night;
easy prey for oppressions’ might.
But within the very journey
we began lies the means
for our freedom;
to be cleansed by African rain
and the salvation of our humanity.
Sister elephants will tell our story,
carry us on their backs and
into worldwide dreams.
~~~
Kilimanjaro rises to meet the moon.
Its snow nourishes the Serengeti below and
it will be here that I see
your smile once again
as it is reflected in moonlight.
