AFRICAN QUEEN

                    I am a gift from God who anointed

                    Me as the African Queen.    

                    I come from the blood, sweat,

                    and tears of others before me.

                    My beauty is ignored.

                    My intelligence unnoticed.

                    My strength misunderstood.

                    To speak is looked upon as being outspoken.

                    To cry is viewed as being weak.

                    I place my throne where ever I choose,

                    for I alone control my destiny.

                    The crown I wear comes in the form

                    of courage, which has guided my

                    people for many centuries.

                    My worth isn't based on who I love

                    or whom I am loved by, for the

                    expectations I put on myself far

                    exceed that of another.

                    I am equal to any man and walk in

                    the shadows of no one.  I can be as

                    tough as a lion or as gentle as

                    a baby lamb.

                    My family is my life and I'll give

                    my life for my family.

                    Embrace me and respect me, for I

                    am an African Queen.

                                                           Josef Cannon