The Eternal Warriors

I discovered the work of the incomparable Ghanaian artist Edem Dedi through a post by Whitney Hammel. Since then, I have been hooked.
One particular untitled piece of his struck a chord in me. I contacted him. He said it was inspired by a picture he once saw.
I told him his untitled painting that was inspired by a picture he once saw, had inspired a poem. He allowed me to post the painting and the poem.
I call it…

The Eternal Warriors
Inspired by an Untitled Painting by Edem Dedi

With the signature helmets on,
Those with the pointed horns,
They come prepared.
Loin clothes tied,
And bras strapped on,
They are ready to go.

Cocky and self-sure,
They stand tall and unafraid.
Hesitant yet quite curious,
Their minds search and ponder.
Patient and open to all,
They are adventurous and brave.

The blotches of color,
Dancing across the canvass,
Are as diverse as their roles.
Each day they fight —
For themselves, each other and all women.
For their families and their nation.
They are forever the Eternal Warriors.