The African

By Marcus B. Christian

I was the lone watcher of civilization's dawn --

The power that built high the Pyramids -- 

I whispered something in the Sphinx's ear

That caused her smile; 

I placed my hands upon the Sphinx's mouth

To stifle laughter.

I nurtured Carthage --

I suckled Abyssinia -- 

I saw the rise and fall of Europe's pride.

I am the pall that was Egypt's -- 

The might that was Persia's --

The darkness that was Greece's -- 

The error that was Rome's --

The powder barrel of the Americas --

The wandering Jew of the universe -- 

I am the African.

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