Oh Zanzibar
You greet me with a white-toothed smile
A glimpse of breakthrough behind veiled face
Poa you shout from your squeaky bicycle
Skipping through the streets in your fancy dress
You laugh at my attempt to speak with you.
Always room for one more in your dala dala
Your karibu the sound of a warm openness
Explaining your history of nations
walking through your cobblestoned door.
Your search for knowledge keeps you young
Asking and seeking, eager to learn.
Behind the salaam in your mouth
A question in your eyes meets mine
Revealing a deeper ancient quest for Peace.
Your market smells of spices and fish and colours
Freedom of choice on display in your diversity
Sounds wash over me as you call your customers
Yet you meet the call to prayer with an ignorant shrug.
The streets of stonetown constrict and tower over
Black burkas and colourful scarves and embroidered hats
Slaves no more and yet the law is your master
Your religion paints incoherent brushstrokes
Over your African heart.
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