AFRICA PROUD by Wayne Visser

As always, my visit back to the continent has inspired me to write.

AFRICA PROUD

By Wayne Visser

I stand upright and tall -

No more bowed back

No more bent knees

I look straight ahead -

No more downcast eyes

No more cowering glances

For I am Africa Proud

See me:

My name is Africa

And I am rising to greet you

I am leading the way

And I am Proud

Extend me your hand -

In friendship, not pity

In peace, not trickery

Send me your prayers - In communion, not guilt

In hope, not resignation

For I am Africa Proud

Hear me: My name is Africa

And I am calling to welcome you

I am waiting to embrace you

And I am Proud

I dance wild and free -

No more slave chains

No more puppet strings

I sing loud and strong -

No more lamentation

No more discord

For I am Africa Proud

Feel me:

My name is Africa

And I am drumming to wake you

I am singing to inspire you

And I am Proud

Bring me your gifts -

Of fair trade, not charity

Of respect, not advice

Show me your spirit -

Of community, not greed

Of faith, not fear

For I am Africa Proud

Join me:

My name is Africa

And I am seeding the future

I am shining with beauty

And I am Proud

(2013)

Deep In Her Eyes

So much pain in her eyes

You could swear the sun will never shine

She walks the street flashing a smile like she’s fine

Look at her, there’s so much pain in her eyes

No one can see how she cries inside

They are white as snow

Shiny as glory

Her eyes so beautiful, but look at them

And see what is in them

So much pain in her eyes, but she keeps on fighting the darkness

Because she knows someday the light will again shine

-Hlogi