Africa

by Kevin W. Jolley

All my songs of sorrow become nursery rhymes,

and my previous sufferings

fond memories;

In this place where the fearful dare not dwell,

the fields of green draw in eternity

and the eye of the jungle’s edge

penetrates the soul of oblivious passersby.

The moon drapes a silvery cloak ’round my shoulders,

holds a lantern before my feet.

Having judged the intents of my heart,

palm trees nod with a rustle

and grant me passage.

I spoke with God as a lion lay at my feet:

“You will love this land and

it will love you back

so that your cup shall overflow.”

And I do love this land, this Africa.

—Dedicated to the Abidjan Ivory Coast Mission

Spring Blooms by Sarah Richards

Sculpture Dancing Angel by Jennifer Harmon