The African

I was the lone watcher of civilization's dawn --
The power that built high the Pyramids --
I whispered something in the Sphinx's ear
That caused her smile;
I placed my hands upon the Sphinx's mouth
To stifle laughter.

I nurtured Carthage --
I suckled Abyssina --
I saw the rise and fall of Europe's pride.

I am the pall that was Egypt's --
The might that was Persia's --
The darkness that was Greece's --
The error that was Rome's --

The powder barrel of the Americas --
The wandering Jew of the universe --
I am the African.