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