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Poem Analysis: Growth Rings by Deng Hainan

  GROWTH RINGS Deng Hainan The arc lines Grow in layers imprisoned within the bark, With a seed at the circle’s center, Rings spreading like ripples across the lake. In the end, they are set hard by the chainsaw's incision. No sighing, no growing, Silence. Yet annulations have not been erased. Like a cerebrum, Everything that has been experienced has been stored in these whorls Though they can neither sing nor tell tales. The rain’s moisture, The snow’s caress, The chirping from the bird’s nest in the branches The roar of the thunder and lightning overhead, The black bear’s embrace, The woodpecker’s kiss. And more, Much more… Memories like air Melodies like spring, But there is only Silence. As the glade rotates, It spins the record around If only there were a needle Which by tracking the grooves Could excavate, resuscitate The song of life that should not be silent. About the Author Deng Hainan was born in Guang'an Sichuan province, China, on August 22, 1904. Died on Feb. 19,

Poem Analysis: Africa by David Diop

AFRICA David Diop  Africa my Africa Africa of proud warriors in the ancestral savannahs Africa of whom my grandmother sings On the banks of the distant river I have never known you But your blood flows in my veins Your beautiful black blood that irrigates the fields The blood of your sweat The sweat of your work The work of your slavery The slavery of your children Africa tell me, Africa Is this you this back that is bent This back that breaks under the weight of humiliation This back trembling with red scars And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun But a grave voice answers me Impetuous son that tree young and strong That tree there In splendid loneliness amidst white and faded flowers That is Africa your Africa That grows again patiently obstinately And its fruit gradually acquires The bitter taste of liberty. About the author David Diop, a black African who was born in France in 1927, wrote this poem. His father was from Senegal and his mother from Cameroon, and he grew up mi

Poem analysis: I am an African Child by Eku McGred

I am an African child Born with a skin the color of chocolate Bright, brilliant, and articulate Strong and bold; I'm gifted Talented enough to be the best I am an African child. Often the target of pity My future is not confined to charity Give me the gift of a lifetime; Give me a dream, a door of opportunity; I will thrive I am an African child Do not hide my fault show me my wrong I am like any other; Teach me to dream And I will become I am an African child I am the son, daughter of the soil Rich in texture and content Full of potential for a better tomorrow Teach me discipline, teach me character, teach me hard work Teach me to think like the star within me I can be extra-ordinary call me William Kamkwamba the Inventor; Give me a library with books Give me a scrap yard and discarded electronics Give me a broken bicycle; Plus the freedom to be me And I will build you a windmill I am an African child We are the new generation Not afraid to be us Uniquely gifted, black and talente