A Poem: "WORDS OF WISDOM AND LOVE"

Words are like shells
Many see only their outer hardness
But the wise hold and open them
And sometimes find within them hidden pearls.

Words are like lightning strokes
Many see only frightening flashes
But the wise pause and wait
And hear the echo of their great thunder.

Words are like moonflowers by day
Many see only their bunched leafy fists
But the wise linger till after twilight
And watch them open spilling out their sweet fragrance.

Words are like high towering waves
Many see only the hurl of their long angry curl
But the wise stand waiting by the white sand
And feel the gentle soothing trickle their spent force.

So, Africa, when you say to me
In quiet urgency you love me
(Oh you are a torn confused and ravaged land
Your strange uncertain love like shifting tides)
That i must stay and serve your needs
I pause and ponder
I stop and wonder.
Perhaps you hold within you
Some hidden gleaming Pearl
Some future Majesty
Some strange sweet fragrance of moonlit nights
I walk along your foam- flecked shores
Your words hold promise
And are not empty
I have gained wisdom and shall wait.