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
Wayne Visser © 2017
Book
I Am An African: Favourite Africa Poems
This creative collection, now in its 5th edition, brings together Africa poems by Wayne Visser, including the ever popular “I Am An African”, as well as old favourites like “Women of Africa”, “I Know A Place in Africa”, “Prayer for Africa” and “African Dream”. The anthology celebrates the luminous continent and its rainbow people. The updated 5th Edition includes new poems like “Africa Untamed” and “Land of the Sun”. Buy the paper book / Buy the e-book.
