Zanzibar

Jambo,
Mambo,
Poa,

Virtually every stranger,
Sharing a hello,
A friendly passing,

Long stretches of soft sandy beaches,
Separated by huts,
With palm thatch roofs,
Local artwork,
And smiling faces

Villages of people,
Living only on the land,
Growing food to live,
Mending mud holes in their homes,
Knowing no different.

Underwater lines broken,
No power,
Generators buzzing energy for few,
Many people continue life unnoticed,
We settle into the flicker of candle light.

Respecting a Muslim culture,
Covering up,
Trying to blend in.

Learning Swahili,
Enough to show respect.

Enjoying new dives,
With different rules,
A very slow boat,
Carved by hand,
Ropes twisted individually.

Settling in,
Expecting powers soon,
Will be odd to have light,
A new comfort.
As we adjust to the slow pace,
Bright colors,
And happy smiles,
Of Africa.






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