GUESTS OF THE QUEEN OF BAFOKENG
Gwen and I are escorted
past huge African drums
ebony statues and woven baskets
into the large sitting room
We smile at our good fortune
to be in South Africa
about to meet Queen Sindiwe,
who has eaten dinner
but is expected soon
Louis XVI pink velvet furniture
accentuated with rich maple
complements the room
An international doll collection
graces a glass breakfront
A white marble fountain
offsets the dusky rose silk drapes
and Oriental carpets
Dinner is served!
Our two places are set
with delicate blue and white china,
elegant silverware, gold-rimmed goblets
At one end of the long table
Ngawa, Popo and Dumali serve our food
We decline mutton--
eat peas, pickled beets,
potatoes mashed with carrots,
cheese and dumpling bread
The Queen greets us with a summery smile:
neat, black cornrows
blue slippers and a matching
silken wind of robes.
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