Karamu, You

The painful realization that a woman's affair with her married African lover must end.

(Note: "karamu" is the Swahili word for "feast".)
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Once I lived on bread and water
Till your eyes beckoned me over.
And your lips like plums and sugar
Revealed the vast depths of my hunger.

You told me only beans and rice
Couldn't quell your appetite.
I let you come and take a bite,
Ignoring that it wasn't right.

I feasted on your banquet, too
With flavors that I never knew,
Not knowing how my hunger grew
Till my hours with you were through.

Exotic words breathed in my ear--
The words I've been longing to hear?
But my mind has to stay clear,
Despite how much I want you near.

Of you I'd never get my fill;
Of me you surely someday will.
So before my heart I let you steal,
I'll let you move on to your next meal.