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African Hospitality


This is a picture of an African man meditating in his humble dwelling, who allowed our photographer to shoot him but not before giving her something cool to drink and plenty to think.

He portrays the mysticism of the black, brown and ebony children of Africa living in the 54 states that make her their home.

With the sound of a DSLR, Canon’s triggering mechanism, as the background beat.

I put this little rhyme together, calling it an African anthem of gratitude for a treat.

Think of the shutter sound while reciting this praise.

A mellowed look, he wore a forlorn face.

On this hot day, I gladly gulped it down with not a drop to trace.

This ole man offered me, what I thought was lemonade.

He offered me another one with his shiny eyes like Jade.

His eyes showed kindness, saying plenty about the African race.

amesege’nallo, Zikomo Kwambiri, may-dah-say, i-ni-cheh, bah-si-tay, : tan-oo-mert.

All means thank you very much in the African tongue. EDit.


Photography: Shobha Gopinath.

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