Myreille Matsika-Lang
African Rhapsody
by Myreille Matsika-Lang
Though full I am
Hungry I stand
My joys and laughter
Tough loud and clear
Unnoticed by the passersby
Shocked awhile by my sorrows and pleas
Which like the splash of a stone
We see and hear
But soon forget
As it vanishes underwater
Underwater I am
Drowned by my plagues
Fighting to keep afloat
Reaching for that hand
That is pulling me or pushing me?
The caressing hand
Of a one night stand
Enraptured but too fearful to enjoy the ride
On this dark and rhythmic river
Different and beautiful I am
Though not always to the beholder
Endless charm that leaves its mark,
Like a scar
About the writer
Myreille Lang was born in Congo -Brazzaville and grew up in France where she graduated university with a degree in translation. She subsequently moved to the United States where she lived for 20 years before to immigrating to Canada in 2013. She now works at YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region as an Information and Referral specialist for the Newcomer Information Centre. She enjoys literature, international political and social affairs and likes to dabble in poetry.