The poem is about suffering and survival. The title, "The grieved lands" is a personification of Africa in grief. Yet its peoples are able to overcome various forms of deprivation. The poem shows that the period extends from colonial to modern times, the grieving is due to colonialism and slavery. "In the tearful woes of the ancient and modern slave of other seas" (stanza 1). t is also due to seduction "In the infamous sensation of the stunning perfume of the flower (stanza 2) as well as the violence meted out "By the wickedness of iron and fire". Africa's means of survival will be through resilience. The never-dying spirits that '..bubble up in dreams. Decked with dance by the baobab (stanza 4) also through an alliance with kindred souls and through the sacrifice of the dead. Africa's hope for the future ies in coming together/forming a union: In the harmonious sound of consciences. This lies in the exercise of integrity, it lies in the observance of universal justice. In the pure and simple rightness of the stars' existence and in the continuance of the African race.