Ugali

The following is a poem written about ugali, a staple in the Kenyan diet. Ugali is similar to cornmeal mush and doesn't have a strong flavor, so it's used in conjunction with other foods—vegetables, sauces, stews, etc.—to add substance and carbohydrates to a meal. The author of this poem lived in East Africa for many years but currently resides in the United States.

UGALI-
Immaculately swept dirt,
an African hut/home
aroma of hay dripping
from recently rained upon
thatched roof,

Ugali-
A steaming mound of
lovingly, laughingly
prepared corn meal.
In the dark
field coarsened hands of
a dusky Sukuma woman.

Ugali-
scratchy, firm
hot ball rolled
in the right hand
—only the right hand.
A concave cup of
corn swiped in spicy
stewed sauce.

Ugali-
grainy and coarse
bland yet spiked.
A mushy meal
made meaningful
by careful preparation
and conversation.

Ugali-
a simple warm
welcome.

-bzm, 10 May 2008