In my alternative history novel Restive Souls (lots of excerpts recently posted on Medium), this poem would probably not exist. By the time he is born in Restive Souls, Africa, which has escaped the clutches of colonial imperialism, has several strong powers that can push back any threat. They keep their gold, their diamonds, and their culture.

Maybe, instead, he would have written about the greatness of the Kinlaza House.

The world could have been very different if only a few small twists of fate had occurred. It would have been a cool world, and still can be as Black empowerment and culture gain traction and Africa re-awakens. Other world cultures, too.

I would like to see a new poem called "The Burden of Diversity." Alas (as the English might say), I'm no poet.