Black and woman
God knows
if I have a soul
man or woman
Who knows
if I have culture
with or without a soul
I know
That I exist
with or without culture
I know
Who I am
Monique Ilboudo was born in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. She completed a Doctorate in Law and taught at the University of Ouagadougou until 2000. She is currently the Minister for Promotion of Human Rights in Burkina Faso. This poem is a translation from the original French language version.
The African Book Review is posting a poem from each of Africa’s 55 countries over the next few weeks. Poem suggestions can be sent through the comments form below. ‘Like’ us on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr to read all the poems.
