David Diop. France (1927-1960).

David Diop was born in Bordeaux France to a Senegalese father and Cameroonean mother. Despite his French upbringing and education, he spent his life longing for Africa and empathizing with the African plight against French colonialism. His work reflects his hatred of colonial rulers and his hope for an independent Africa. He employed a colloquial style as a tool of popular protest. In 1960, Diop and his wife were killed in a plane crash returning from France to Dakar. Most of his work was destroyed with him in the crash; only the 22 poems that were published before his death remain.

Reflections on Colonialism:

Africa, lines 12-24

Africa tell me Africa
Is this your back that is bent
This back that breaks under the weight of humiliation
This back trembling with red scars
And saying yes to the whip under the midday sun
But a grave voice answer me
Impetuous child that tree young and strong
That tree over there
Splendidly alone amidst white and faded flowers
That is your Africa springing up anew
Springing up patiently obstinately
Whose fruits bit by bit acquire
The bitter taste of liberty.

Vultures, lines 1-5

In those days
When civilization kicked us in the face
When holy water slapped our cringing brows
The vultures build in the shadow of their talons
The bloodstained monument of tutelage

Yearning for Africa

Your Presence, lines 1-6

In your presence I rediscovered my name
My name that was hidden under the pain of separation
I rediscovered the eyes no longer veiled with fever
And your laughter like a flame piercing the shadows
Has revealed Africa to me beyond the snows of yesterday
Ten years my love

The Renegade, lines 8-17

We pity you
Your country's burning sun is nothing but a shadow
On your serene 'civilized' brow
And the thought of your grandmother's hut
Brings blushes to your face that is bleached
By years of humiliation and bad conscience
And while you trample on the bitter red soil of Africa
Let these words of anguish keep time with your
     restless step-
Oh I am lonely so lonely here.

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