Poems about Kenya

This morning I read this article about Kericho. I was sickened to read about this beautiful place, full of friendly people, suddenly exploding with violence.

Here's a description from the article: "'I begged them to spare me but they showed no mercy,' he said. 'They slashed me with machetes and they hit my back and head until I lost consciousness.'"

This happened in the fields of tea, associated in my memory with homecoming, tranquility, and beauty. All day long I've been thinking about Dr. Bacchus' poem, Chai. It begins:

It grew in the Kericho sun
watered by the rains that swept up from Lake Victoria
every afternoon at 4
like a heavy felt curtain.
Top two leaves and a bud
picked in the pouring rain.
Flapping black raincoats and hats,
bright faces and bright singing.
The emerald of the freshly washed leaves
almost hurts the eye.
Miles of smooth green hills
stretching to the horizon of my mind.

You can read the rest of it here.

Apparently Maria was thinking on the same lines, because she posted this poem today.

Mshairi has been writing poetry too. Here's one about the church burning and this one is called This is the time.

Here's Poetess of the People.

Here's another one from Maria.

Many Kenyan bloggers have posted all or part of the Kenyan national anthem, as I did last week.

If I find any more poems, I'll add them to this post.