the african way

i want to live

the african way

though clouds obscure

and rain is sure

unshaken

i want to wait

the african way

though questions loom

and come what may

unfrazzled

i want to pray 

the african way

though answers tarry

and words be few

undoubting

i want to dance 

the african way

though others watch

and music's off

uncensored

i want to hope 

the african way

though plans unravel

disaster threatens

undaunted

i want to die 

the african way

though years be short

with troubles fraught

unfearful

© labujamra

pain

soul blemishes marring faces
eyes cast down avoiding gazes

fading scars reminding

of imperfections lurking

hidden handicaps in children

threaten revealing more

that's not quite whole

and others stare unashamed

hideous defects uninvited

surrounding me unsummoned

head pounding whispers rise

yelling out you're incomplete

blessed fate now convinces

no pain endured is wasted

the little boy peeks eyes smiling

and i see his arm - missing

© labujamra