I Am an African by Wayne Visser

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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. 

© Wayne Visser