
Photo credit: Adetunji Faleye (Blackcampus magazine)
An African child is born
Where golden sun and warm breeze expands,
Lives a child, full of spirit and grace,
African essence shining on their face.
With eyes as deep as the mighty Nile,
They possess a radiant, joyful smile,
Their laughter echoes through the ancient trees,
Whispering secrets carried by the breeze.
They dance to the rhythm of tribal drums,
Under the moonlit sky where freedom hums,
Their spirit dances with nature’s embrace,
Connecting past, present, and future space.
African child, resilient and strong,
Carrying stories that have been passed along,
Through struggles and triumphs, they proudly stand,
A symbol of hope for their blessed land.
Their dreams soar high like an eagle’s flight,
Guided by stars that illuminate the night,
They believe in a future bright and grand,
With boundless possibilities in their hand.
Appreciation of the Poem ‘African Child’
This is a moving and impactful poem, “African Child.” The poet not only captured the essence of the African child’s experience but has also managed to touch the hearts of readers with a depth of emotion and understanding that is truly commendable.
The poet skillfully weaves a tapestry of vivid imagery, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world he has created. Through the verses, the resilience, beauty, and challenges faced by African children come to life, evoking empathy and a sense of shared humanity. The way the poet highlights the contrasts – the joy and sorrow, the dreams and struggles – reflects in the theme of deep understanding of the complex realities children navigate daily.
Furthermore, the poem sheds light on the untamed spirit and unquenchable thirst for knowledge that characterize African children. The lines portraying their laughter amidst adversity, their ability to find joy in the simplest of things, remind us all of the strength that can be found in innocence. The poet has beautifully captured the essence of their hope, highlighting the potential and promise within each child, regardless of their circumstances.
This poem has a theme of the importance of empathy and understanding in a world that often forgets the struggles faced by marginalized communities. “African Child” takes us beyond geographical boundaries and invites us to consider the universal desires and challenges that connect us as human beings. This poem has the power to spark conversations, foster empathy, and inspire action towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.
The words in the poem ignites a powerful connection to the experiences of these children, encouraging us to see beyond the surface and embrace the shared human experiences that bind us together. The poem is a true testament to the transformative power of art and the written word.
He poet employes the use of figures of speech to beautify the poem. One of them is simile which he uses in line one of stanza five: “Their dreams soar high like an eagle’s flight.” The poet compares the dream of the children to the flight of an eagle.
He also uses personification in line three of stanza three where he says: “Their spirit dances with nature’s embrace,” He uses their spirit as a representation of the children and nature embracing like human
The use of rhyme scheme also present in the poem when the poet says:
Lives a child, full of spirit and grace,
African essence shining on their face.
With eyes as deep as the mighty Nile,
They possess a radiant, joyful smile,
What’s your thought about this story?
Kindly like and share.