The Vultures - David Diop

The Vultures

In those days 
When civilization kicked us in the face 
When holy water slapped our cringing brows 
The vultures built in the shadow of their talons 
The bloodstained monument of tutelage 
In those days 
There was painful laughter on the metallic hell of the roads 
And the monotonous rhythm of the paternoster 
Drowned the howling on the plantations 
O the bitter memories of extorted kisses 
Of promises broken at the point of a gun 
Of foreigners who did not seem human 
You who knew all the books but knew not love 
Nor our hands which fertilze the womb of the earth
Hands instinct at the  root with revolt 
In spit of your songs of pride in the charnel-houses
In spite of the desolate villages of Africa torn apart 
Hope lived in us like a citadel
And from Swaziland's mines to the sweltering sweat of Europe's
factories 
Spring will be reborn under our bright steps. 

DAVID DIOP

This poem presents us with vivid images of Africa's colonial experience and European control of Africa, under the pretext of a civilizing mission. It can also be closely allied to the work of the Christian missionaries in converting Africa to a religion which demands humility. Although intellectuals as they claimed, their heart is devoid of love. But with all the harsh treatments given to Africa, the poet still sees hope or light after the dark tunnel.