words of another

But, my friend,
why do men with crippled legs,
lifeless eyes,
wooden legs, empty stomachs
wander about the streets
of this civilized world?

Teach me, my friend, the trick,
so that my eyes may not
see those whose houses have no walls
but emptiness all around;
show me the wax you use
to seal your ears
to stop hearing the cry of the hungry;

Teach me the new wisdom
which tells men
to talk about money and not love,
when they meet women;

Tell your God to convert
me to the faith of the indifferent,
the faith of those
who will never listen
until they are shaken with blows.

I speak for the bush:
You speak for the civilized-
Will you hear me?

- Everett Standa, I Speak for the Bush
(Standa is president of Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya)