Oh, Africa

Oh, Africa,

You hold my heart.

Each whisper of wind,

Each pair of fragile hands.

Oh, Africa,

Sing to me in voices

Of hope and pain and joy,

Of beauty.

Of love.

Oh, Africa,

I long to step onto your soil,

Taste your air,

Hear your songs again.

Oh, Africa,

Your smiles surrounded me,

Broke my heart to pieces

And yet made it whole again.

Oh, Africa,

Bring me back to you.

Emily Whelchel

August 25, 2011