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This powerful poem invokes and embraces the spirituality of the Diaspora while encouraging cultural enlightenment. It is the first poem in the book, Lord I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can.
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Strong Hands of Mother Africa
© By J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford
Strong hands of Mother Africa
Awaken places deep inside me
Where my ancestors dwell
Like distant echoes, your heart-beat
Reverberates off Kilimanjaro’s mountain-tops
Pulses down the Nile
Crosses the Sudan
And flows into my soul
Strong hands of Mother Africa
Call my absent spirit
To return and commune with the elders
Those who sojourned before me
Now light my path and
Await my homecoming
Strong hands of Mother Africa
Reveal to me my history
Teach me the ways of my true homeland;
Unmask the mysteries and tragedies
Of this altered consciousness
Awaken in my mind and body
The un-ripened seeds of truth,
Power, and pride
Solve for me the paradox of my mortality.
Strong hands of Mother Africa
My soul dances to your ancient rhythm
Pulsing, ever pulsing, through the veins of time
Teach me to beat Africa drums
So that I, too, may guide
Another absent spirit to your shores
So that I, too may guide another absent spirit
Home!
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| Reviewed by Barbara Henry |
4/30/2009 |
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J.Joy,
This poem is incredibly powerful,and it is filled with your passion for Mother Africa.
You have done an excellent job of portraying what I, and so many others,feel.
May you continue to awaken and empower those of us who read and listen.
Barbara Henry |
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| Reviewed by Cryssa C |
2/12/2008 |
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We all have hands that call us home... to our roots...
This is a beautiful depiction of that cord that binds us to our home.
Cryssa |
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| Reviewed by Connie Faust |
4/13/2007 |
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Another great poem--you make ME feel like responding to the call of Africa, but believe me I am pale white!
Your poetry must be a terrific encouragement to any who feel oppressed, to stand tall and proud as children of "Mother Africa."
Connie |
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| Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader) |
4/9/2007 |
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Africa, Such a beautiful land, and you paint it well. Only been there a few times, but out of the cities, it is beautiful, with all those big white teeth smiling at you...
Enjoyed the rhythm, that weaves throughout the poem.. |
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