Laughing Africa

By Eve Marie Dobbins

Africa.

Is a camera box black?

Take the photo.

Ste-e-all the soul:

soul to sole.

Africa

Is a hyena?

With a long, long laughing neck,

laden upon short legs:

paradoxical.

Africa

Is not a sin?

Black, black, all black.

Back to the bone.

White underbelly.

Much left unsaid.

A camera box urging entrance.

Take a photo.

Steal the soul.

Africa

Is a laughing hyena?

Of negative culpability.

Black and white.

Steal the soul.