I am an African
Dr Wayne Visser is a writer, speaker, academic and social entrepreneur. In addition, Wayne is Senior Associate at the University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership and Visiting Professor of Corporate Responsibility at Warwick Business School in the UK. In 2005 Wayne wrote a lovely piece of poetry entitled, “I am an African”, it is featured in Awesome South Africa.
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 Africa honours her elders
My head is bowed in respect
When Africa mourns for 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 sound
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
Please note this poem is property of Wayne Visser.
I am an African, are you?
Tweet
5 Comments
Wayne Visser
Thanks for posting my poem. I’m glad the words resonate with Awesome South Africa. FYI, the poem is now part of a collection called “I Am An African” and another photography book called “African Dream”. More info on my website under Books if you’re interested
19 Dec 2012 09:12 pm (@WayneVisser)
Derryn Campbell
Such a pleasure, thanks for a great poem Wayne!
10 Jan 2013 09:01 am (@DerrynCampbell)
Name
I’m a young first year educational student and I love this poem of yours because i used it in one of my lessons and the kids was crazy about it.
27 Oct 2013 01:10 pm (@Twitter)
Noella
What a wonderful poem.This is what you call real poetry
19 Sep 2017 07:09 pm (@Twitter)
Agnes
Thank you very much Mr Wayne, so in love with your writing I saw wish you can be my author and help me otherwise my books. I write bt don’t have anyone to direct or correct my mistakes
23 Sep 2019 07:09 am (@Twitter)
Leave a Comment