1) A Cordial Meeting From Africa (From Songs From The Wome Of The L. O. M.) Poem by Otradom Pelogo

Song of a Cordial Meeting From Africa

I met a young lady who said that she was Africa, one of those people whom you usually find heading in the opposite direction, even while sitting at the same table. Indirectly seeking a subconscious answer from me as she asked me had I seen my country woman, speaking of a lady, probably of African descent, and thus telling her that it had been about five hundred years since I had seen her. I guess seeing how ethnocentric I was as an American rather than part of an ethnic ideology.

The first time asked, and I've been asked a couple of times, I guess I would say, or actually did say, I'm an American, I am Christian, and I'm an Otradom. The first, although seldom if ever asked, could be taken for granted; after about five hundred years of my family and yours being here, I guess that would be quite appropriate. Further interrogation, seldom if ever asked, would take me from here through the other six major continents, to what was once the center of that once ago masterpiece that has so neatly and prudently parted; but only to create an even greater picture; one of ecumenical cooperation. I could start in West Africa; maybe Nigeria, whom many for that last five centuries have claimed home. Maybe East Africa, in Ethiopia to begin explaining. Or do I consider, no matter how diverse the twentieth century has revealed that we are, to start in North Africa or even the Middle East. Or do I, because of the sounds of progress introducing itself to the world, start off in South Africa. From there, do I travel forward and say that five hundred years is long enough to call home; to call myself an American, a Christian, and an Otradom (PeloGo) .

We are all unique
and special because
all of the colors
belong to the sun
While the tree
supplies virtue to
our kaleidoscope
The mountains
prepare us for our goals and life
which we must learn to view as one
And dreams are for the goat who climbs with hope