Under the Acacia Tree

Under the Acacia Tree

life is pathos
on the edge of survival
under the brutal sun
hope is sucked dry
by the tyranny of time





life is fear
in Ifo, Hagaderra, Dagahaly
refugee families struggle to survive
on forty Kenyan shillings a day
nomads, scarred by cruel fate

life is degradation
women and children held captive
by chains of endless abuse
hunger, TB, HIV/Aids, death
daily reminders of a hopeless existence

life is desperation
no plan for tomorrow
relocation a dying dream
tears have all been shed
wells of promise are dry

yet,
under the acacia tree
life is precious
shade creates laughter and play
healing thrives in desert’s harshness
canopy deflects the burning ray

Under the Acacia Tree Anthology
Michael Frederiksen (photo)
Ron Gang (painting)
March 1, 2004

Not Enough

Sweet morning dew graces empty fields
of maize and sugar cane recently harvested;
not enough food to feed the hungry.



Hot sun rises over red-brown mud huts,
cracks breaking in a thousand directions;
not enough shelter to deflect the burning ray.

Women labouring, gathering, working,
men waiting for something to happen;
not enough justice to cover the hurt.

Orphan children carrying infants too young
to feel the pain except in their belly;
not enough strength to carry on.


Parent-child is forced into labour
never parented, never embraced;
not enough love to go ‘round.

Relentless human tragedy races
like a tsunami out of control;
not enough will to turn the tide.

Why?
When there is more than enough
to keep the dogs of Aids at bay.



Michael Frederiksen Under the Acacia Tree Anthology
October 24, 2008

Empty Rhetoric

Empty Rhetoric

Together
in unity
we can make a difference
“Asante Sana”

acute poverty

gender inequality

"Hakuna Matata"

World spins

out of control

peace in our time

"Salaam"

Let freedom ring
let it be
stand up for your rights
“Inshallah”

He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples
they will beat their swords into ploughshares
and their spears into pruning hooks
nation will not take up sword against nation
nor will they train for war anymore
“amani, upendo, umoja”

Isaiah 2:4

June 2, 2004

KENYA

breathtaking beauty
surrounds a diverse people
living on the edge of survival
optimism stands tall




acacia tree sighs, baobob laughs
earth cries out for mercy
people suffer in silence
living on hope



early dawn a symphony of song
midday sun a burning flame
a minute defined as “wait and see”
defying all convention

Mt. Kenya, Garden of Eden
summit touches the southern cross
endangered lions, elephants, hippos
life goes on

Kenyans walk in all directions
poverty bleeds the nation
thorns dig deep, some fatal
“asante sana”


Michael Frederiksen
March 15, 2004

Orphan Kids of Kakamega

Orphan Kids of Kakamega












The main road from Kisumu leads to Kakamega,
Western Province,
heartland of the Luhya people.

Hot winds blow in from the west,
up the valley from Lake Victoria
carrying rain over the Nandi Escarpment.

Kenya’s rainforest, feast for the senses,
unique, vibrant, teeming with the life of
hundreds of butterfly species
grey parrots, blue turacos, hornbills
forest raptors, snakes, primates.
home to Mama Mutere
ancient tree of medicinal cure
rooted in Kakamega Forest.

Mt. Elgon to the north,
and Kirinyaga’s Mt. Kenya
hide their faces at a land
ravaged by poverty and disease.

Weeping stone of Maragoli sighs
during spring a constant stream of tears
flow down its time worn sides.

Motherless children
the neglected and lonely,
broken hearts with muted voices,
too young to face the blackness
of HIV/Aids.

Listen to their silence
Orphan Kids of Kakamega.

Michael Frederiksen
President, CES Canada