Sudan, Sun, Shadow, and Shade (poem) by ShyPoet 1 on AuthorsDen

Sudan, Sun, Shadow, and Shade
by ShyPoet 1 → (All Poetry by ShyPoet 1)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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For Jim D., who requested I write this poem ... (Sorry I took so long, I was distracted for a minute there ...) If you like it, I'll post it on that site you suggested, otherwise, I'll work on it some more ... I may add another stanza ...
Near the Port of Sudan, Where the Red Sea waves Sudanese can’t rest in shadow or shade Malaria is burning, bellies are churning Snail fever eats Sudanese souls like pigs Chaos barks, wild wars growl and bite In Sudan’s Blue and White Nile valleys, refugees sigh. 25 million Sudanese peep through tiny keyholes And try to separate shadows of men now free, From shadows still living like the slave … Here on this abysmally desert rug, Sunshine burns everyone ever more Sudanese can’t rest in shadow or shade While spitting 400 different Arabic dialects. Paralyzed, battered, shattered, scattered minds, Swell in 113 degree dismal famine … Most don’t have and don’t crave mirrors … Slight is the view that slaps their Black, starving faces … Sad spirits scratch Sudanese sands for a savior For only He, can heal lesions infected by genocidal wars. Africa, sweet Africa My sweet, sweet African heartbeats You can not rest in shadow or shade Over 4 million years old, and your drums still beat … Yet, few nations are listening to your songs … Many sniff Sudan’s gentle interweaving breeze And say, ‘twas once a heavenly serenity in it ... Kicked, flung round and round to comfort hard ground, Like lazy, lost and lonely feathers - The Black seed, always seeks fertile ground … Where Northern Muslims are fighting Southern Christians are biting, Sudanese can’t rest in shadow or shade Something is upsetting these Sudanese, while highlighting Unbearable deaths, and rioting melancholy shadows. From their swollen, dry, licking tongues, A wilderness of uncaring truths, comes of age … Only 30% can read how swift their poverty grows Because hearts collapse … before cantankerous bullets rage. Then pain ensnares Sudan’s shape-shifting, parasitic form. How beautifully lucid awakes African skies They linger in tranquil places and mark abandoned souls Yet, Sudanese can’t rest in shadow or shade No doubt, here in this sandy and combative land, Wars rape and pilfer souls, where the sun overflows. The United Nations and world ignores your plight, Children, like ants, must learn to flee or fight, Children can find a kingdom in bread crumbs, Yet, they can’t find safety or delight or shade. For now, upon this troubled soil, Sudan's souls shall bleed … The above text is copyright © ShyPoet1 ~ 2004, and may not be reproduced without permission.

Reviewed by Anna Marie Fritz (Reader)

Reviewed on May 25, 2004

Yes, Jimmy, the world is indeed in a sad and desolute state.
Thank God it won't be that way too much longer.

Good to see you posting again!

Reviewed by Lori Moore

Reviewed on May 24, 2004

Sad write. Nicely done.

Reviewed by Floria Kelderhouse (Reader)

Jim, I am happy that I had the few minutes to
be on here today just to read this. Your deep
feelings expressed with soul always touch me.
I feel the yearning of a soul that wants so much
for peace not only for himself but for the
entire world. One of your best here friend.
I am proud to call you friend.... hugs.....floria

Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner

powerful, powerful write, shy; one of your best--heartbreaking

(((HUGS))) and love, karla. :(

Reviewed by Elizabeth Taylor (Reader)

Sad, isn't it, to think Africa is the cradle of civilization and Africans are the most downtrodden of nations and subjected to such absolute horrors. They've lost so much and it goes on and on. Very well expressed, Jim. Good work as always, and thoughtful.

Reviewed by E T Waldron

You have captured their plight with simple grace,
that shouts the need, that goes unheeded. One can
only wonder why and pray. I have given to their cause
but it's like a grain of sand. The need is beyond
comprehension!Thanks for this exceptional write Jim!