For the Queens of Zimbabwe

[heslopian]

For the Queens of Zimbabwe

Somewhere in Africa,
a myth exists among diseased men.

Somewhere in Africa,
scores of innocent eyes are wet with tears.

Dubbed pure by legend, meat by tradition,
their screams and smiles are human.
Their virgin blood only sacred in folklore. This is really our first introduction to the horror of this poem; it's a dark and visceral verse, blending words like "virgin", "blood" and "sacred" to great effect.

It's a heavy petting zoo of mutilation, Brilliant line, contrasting innocence ("petting zoo") with horror ("mutilation").
where dying animals devour the young.
And as I sit here in a comfortable chair,
a dirge of lacerated sexual organs
weeps its way over continents, to me. Wonderfully repulsive two lines to round this out.

A man, without weapon or remedy
A citizen, unable to change a culture
A human, whose faith in humanity
is once again diminished. This is my least favourite verse. It's a bit obvious and melodramatic.

Somewhere in Africa,
a myth has become reality.

Somewhere in Africa,
The ignorance of man personified. This is slightly problematic, as it kind of connects "Africa" with "ignorance", as though the latter would naturally belong in the former. I know that that wasn't your intention, but it leaves an odd taste. The previous couplet would be a much better close, I think.

Is this poem about female genital mutilation? That is my best guess, anyway. I really like your wording in the more intense, brutal lines. With a touch more subtlety here and there this poem could be great. JMHO, of course. Thank you for the read