The Gift

I am grateful to God 

For the privilege to traverse

The continent, from Kigali to Juba

And Kampala to Harare.

From the majestic views of the Kilimanjaro 

To the rain soaked aroma of spices in Zanzibar.

Our continent is truly beautiful, from the rainbows 

Into the crackling sound of the of the Atlantic In Dakar.

And the beautiful skyline on descent Into Maputo.

While the headlines talk of despots, hunger and crime,

Africa still boasts creativity, youthful exuberance and a future. 

While the sound of terror in Maiduguri reminds us of the perilous times,

Energy of software developers in Nairobi and Lagos

Tell us of the future yet achieved. 

The Headlines can be discouraging but we know

That the inside pages can be re-written

The editorial maybe be dire, but the feature is our choice.

The economic statistics are familiar but it is the

Statistics of the heart that count. And we have plenty of heart.

Our future is ours to headline with our hearts filled with love and dedicated

To building a different legacy. One of courage and an unflinching desire

To herald a narrative of peace and prosperity.