AFRICAN CHILD
They turn the soil
With their tiny soles
Bare claws, runny noses
And topless bodies
Yet no worries
Warm meals await them
Empty pots too at times
A visit to the stream
Before the sun sets
The rule always stands
They approach in a hurry
Jumping in is ecstasy
Splashing and tumbling
An impatient lady
Readily forgotten at home
At the end of day
They retire with water-laden pots
Playing along the way
Stopping at familiar spots
Mama may have her say
When the meal is gone
And the dishes are done
It’s time to face the thatch and wonder
What the future holds
Until the eyes close in sweet surrender
FRIENDSHIP
The fabrics are closely-knit
Woven amongst peers
The strongest in hardship
An opaque shield against common fears
Standing on pillars of shared faith and fate
A sincere bond, rid of affectation
Each member a life coach
Coaxing the others’ decisions
Condemning their faults with a sense of duty
Ever present in moments of dejection
Against problems approaching, far or near
They try to deflect
Their love for you reflects
Your hardship on their shoulders they bear
However little your problem, they detect
Neither worrisome nor onerous
Always respecting your worth
With hearts so generous
Sharing their gifts without thought
Even when helping is strenuous
The strength of togetherness
Weakens the power of the enemy
Their stand in oneness
Defies gossip and controversy
Rising above individuality, embracing plurality
