I Met You In Africa (Part One)

I met you in Africa

Last night as I slept,

Across blinding vistas and shadowed faces

I, unconscious, leapt.

The soil like rust across the land,

Mixes with sweat across my hand,

Drips like blood dry as sand,

Still walking, though I cannot stand.

I met you in Africa

Last night as I swept

Pale palm across your golden cheek,

Like a promise kept.

Crooked upon the river bed

I kneel where fish and water fled,

River run out, ripped and bled,

A border badly drawn in red.

I met you in Africa

Last night as I wept,

Crouched.  Over dry and tangled hair

My naked tears crept.

Where two vast lands will always meet

We rise with the sun on dusty feet,

Breathing bitter truth and fragrance sweet,

Life and flowers shared as we greet.