A poem by Wayne Visser

I am an African

  I am an African
  Not because I was born there
  But because my heart beats with Africa's
  I am an African
  Not because my skin is black
  But because my mind is engaged by Africa
  I am an African
  Not because I live on its soil
  But because my soul is at home in Africa

  When Africa weeps for her children
  My cheeks are stained with tears
  When African honours her elders
  My head is bowed in respect
  When Africa mourns her victims
  My hands are joined in prayer
  When Africa celebrates her triumphs
  My feet are alive with dancing

  I am an African
  For her blue skies take my breath away
  And my hope for the future is bright
  I am an African
  For her people greet me as family
  And teach me the meaning of community
  I am an African
  For her wildness quenches my spirit
  And brings me closer to the source of life

  When the music of Africa beats in the wind
  My blood pulses to its rhythm
  And I become the essence of music
  When the colours of Africa dazzle in the sun
  My senses drink in its rainbow
  And I become the palette of nature
  When the stories of Africa echo round the fire
  My feet walk in its pathways
  And I become the footprints of history


  I am an African
  Because she is the cradle of our birth
  And nurtures an ancient wisdom
  I am an African
  Because she lives in the world's shadow
  And bursts with a radiant luminosity
  I am an African
  Because she is the land of tomorrow
  And I recognise her gifts as sacred

  - Wayne Visser

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