Poems of Love From Africa

This traditional poem from the Shona people of Zimbabwe is quite erotic! It is sung in private – from a husband to a wife – in praise of her sensual abilities.

Thank you very much, Madam Nyemba! 
The single mother of one, Chivazve’s daughter,
The Chivazves, who hunt elephants.
Thank you, you of the girdle at the delicate place!
Well done, Zebra!
Hail you, The Giver of consent!
Thank you, Ms-giver-by-the-gourd!
A service has been performed, The Interlaced One!
You, my elegant and exceedingly beautiful woman!
She, who is like distilled liquid honey.
Even the little piece of juicy meat is surpassed.
Thank you, Madam Muroro! 
Thank you, Madam Nyemba!
The single mother of one, Chivazve’s daughter.
(Daughters) the bars to whose receptacles can grind rice grain!
My Muroro, this one,
The single mother of one,
Charindapanze’s daughter.
You have bars to the entrance which are like the spotted sweet pumpkin.
And indeed, inside you are just as sweet.
As for you who my mother is, it is you.
Let them ask who my provider is, the answer is you.
You will cater for my needs on the stomach and the intestines
Oh, dear mother! Oh that this was also eaten as a side dish!
As for now, it is the ultimate torturer of the one scratching,
A pimple that itches inside the heart.
You have performed wonderfully indeed!