Ode to the Masquerade Tree

One-legged damsel

Swaying supple spinster

Gorgeously dressing

To excite the desire of mankind

Charmed with immobility

But joyfully dancing to the beats

Of African cardinal points

Adored with countless folded arms

Ever glowing in the pristine greenness

Of the continent

You ridicule the anger

Of the winds

You dissolve the fury

In the eyes of the sun

You conjure rain from azure

Daily standing taller and taller

Making thousands lust after you

In their dreams and homes

You are the friend of all children

You are the lover of all women

You are the desire of all men

One-legged damsel

 Swaying supple spinster

An alien plant in the land of tradition

Our pride and  praise

Our gong and song