Ethiopian Shim Sham

How can I begin to comprehend

your histories, your rebellious tears

from years of being dismissed, despite

your understanding eyes? I intend

to look beyond the skin, the green

yellow red of your nation, beyond

the dreaded hair more dark than night.

There is much to learn from patience

and willingness. You have much to teach,

If only from the look you give, the stance

Of your body that connects each of us.

4/25/10