For Martine Christin
On one side stands the hill of power
On the other the light of learning
In between is a valley so they said
So calm and serene is the valley
That bears a beautiful traditional face
And wears an elaborate colonial dress
A dual city of tradition and modernity
A duality that works perfectly
One walks across space and time
As one walks through the streets of Bamako!
Grand Hotel: September 29, 2006