The Absent African ----------- Kathy Allender

THE ABSENT AFRICAN

Two similar eyes that blink uneasily towards mine, I speculate them to not want claim of this mind Governed by native conviction, which I live, But she only observes: pride of blackness and a Dented democracy ... And then I imagine she views me, that she sees this young lady Who resembles her mode With identifiable plaits, her caramel complexion, And cowrie shells That encircle her neck - what does she ponder of that? Am I America's brat, a child who asks for everything, Knows nothing, but pretends to know it all? Or, Is she the eccentric one enrolled in our school of higher learning (We question and torture her, but she ignores our Haughty remarks and horrid gesticulations). My eyes are melting. I want her hair, her shells, and I WANT HER VISION Who am I? How does she define ... ? Let me embody her body ... I want to inspect myself ... the absent African.

Kathy Allender