Beloved Eritrea

By Dr. Samuel Mahaffy. Dedicated to the People of Eritrea on the Auspicious Occasion of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of National Independence.

Beloved Eritrea

Bent over your mogogo

injera in the making:

“Sing to me celebration

of sons and daughters

past and present, here and gone–

tillers and freedom fighters”;

Indeed, never kneeling down.

Blessed from lingering at your feet–

rising steam melts tears

for martyrs–who could have known

what you would one day suffer?

Your ululating songs taunt

a world that did not care–

stir pompous rage that

‘this nation dared to survive

invasion, isolation.’

“Eritrea–not a noun

but a verb”–work in progress;

“How long will it take–

this food to feed a nation?”

“Surely, it will come in time

this moment to completion

three decades in the making.”

So wait patiently–

Crouching in elder circles

grasping canes – Kalashnikovs–

ever-ready to spring up

to defend precious freedom;

Peace-loving people–

we are your invited guests

at this celebration feast–

‘The Other Eritreans’

eating from this common dish–

holy communion.

Beloved Eritrea—

This dance—our celebration;

The exception to the rule;

Bright future now yours to write

For peace and justice.