Challenging Poetry

Zimbabwe: Moonlight Rainbows

tourists are welcome,
they say.
more welcome
than ancient neighbors
or old governments—
our government is young,
less than a month old,
too young to know
if tomorrow brings
soldiers or artists
or the worst of both.
but still—
tourists are welcome.
walk with us
by the full moon’s light,
while the thunder
of Victoria Falls
opens in rainbows.

Author's Note ▶︎

In my research, the thing that stood out most was that there was a coup in November 2017 which means that many countries advise their people not to go there in fear, but tourism is the nation's most valuable resource. It makes an interesting dichotomy.
Also, I loved the idea that when the moon is full, Victoria Falls Park opens late so that people can see rainbows by the light of the full moon. There's something so beautiful in that--a lure despite the dangers.