Solitude supporting solitude on two pergolas
sunset shaping summer where the jungle closes in
man eating roots leaning on the theories of Fanon
it was there in his shadow that I saw the primordium of Africa
slaves supporting treachery behind sweet fraternal looks
minions of the bourgeoisie mingled with serfs
I know it all in serpentine bliss
feeling the tongues of fire obfuscating my life
cheek to cheek with that man in his solitude
murdered in his finest hour
by fratricidal negroes, brothers of lust!
to speak of his name I shed my sorrow
near this sea tormenting my memory with the cargoes of black
flesh
bought with what portuguese asientos
sacred to the delight of the pope?
Ah when the journey was long sweetening the pain
my destiny to be born a slave enriching these brothers
who eat the flesh of wild boars…
my sadness knows it all piercing my heart!
and now the defoliated island rises colourless
the grass is the hands of those maimed by napalm
man-child leaping over the mutilated soul shouting
mother I am going away to be a revolutionary
to remake my brother I heard saying
O island O field you Cape Verde daughter in spoilage.