Conversations with Kilimanjaro

There is snow on your peaks,

Kilimanjaro.

I have been told.

I have seen the postcards.

I believe.

But my eyes have not gazed

on you these seven days.

Too much cloud.

Please show yourself to me

Kilimanjaro.

I am leaving tomorrow.

Karibu,. Welcome, stranger.

A quick glance from a distance

A snapshot with your camera

Is that all you want?

Take time to climb my slopes.

I do not reveal my face

to people in a hurry.

A question, Kilimanjaro.

about liberal adult education.

Is it like the snow on your peaks,

on privileged heights

that need the rising slopes

of skills training

and the ground of basic literacy?

Strange questions, stranger.

It is not only my peaks

that your eyes do not see,

The snow on top is just

the visible and valued part

of the water that courses

deep inside me,

beneath the slopes and the base,

our culture and values.

and even deeper, my friend

our identity and possibilities.

Ahsante. Thank you, Kilimanjaro.

Kwaheri. Farewell

Moshi

October 1, 2004

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