Forever African Forever Proud

I am an African born and raised under African skies nurtured and honed by the African sun lineage brings me brothers of many shades And sisters of different tongues tongues to mould my proud soul and being I speak them not nor know them all, yet leap in passion all the same … Words, articulation, gesticulation obsolete sadness and joy speak to all men alike. Africa you’re in the handshake of strangers hugs from a thousand brothers and cousins The smiles of old men, babies, striplings Herders and nomads, inventors and magi Patriarchs and priests, princes and paupers I am blessed by your children As I am blessed by your seasons As your winds sculpt my being Your rains cleanse my spirit Your dawns bring unblemished hope … Sunsets offer catharsis of joy unspoken Your hillsides and mountains Are my stadiums, my grandstands As I watch with early dawn the silences of tranquil mornings embracing gently enfolding, surrounding, clasping ... and avian choirs like angelic hosts float their voices into being as impetuous and vigorous young of forest, field and glade of swamp and highland mountain, hilltop, pond, stream and brook of plane and pan and plateau rupture into life bountiful, boundless, beautiful … And you desert who harbours tales of eons you mighty oceans thunderously slamming, shaping pristine coastlines, sea cliffs, estuaries and beaches yet fed by rivulets and brooks all the same I am moved by all that you are … Marvelling magnificence, majesty multiplied … I am the man whispering a grateful prayer … alone in the peaceful silences of my soul righteous chief, valiant warrior, judicious king … I am an African born and raised under African skies nurtured and honed by the African sun … Forever African … Forever Proud …