Africa

A continent that I truly love

A continent, not only do I call home

But my heaven on earth

Rich brown fertile soil

Natural resources such as oil

Acres and hectares of green fields

Farms that have so much to yield

From the tropic savannahs

The beautiful rainforests

Home for many bird species

Those that sing so loud and proud

To the lovely deserts and sand dunes  

The never ending mountains and waterfalls

The wildlife and distinct nature

Home to thousands of different creatures

But beyond these oh so wonderful attractions

There is more to you than meets the eye

The poverty stricken countries;

The corrupt governments and authorities

With leaders who leave us

With empty promises and apologies

Drought that crumbles the entire plantation

That leaves us with a hungry population

Young kids with beautiful dreams and imagination

But growing up with little or no education

In circumstances of poor and troubled situations

With no water or proper sanitation

Illness and diseases that leave all helpless

With limited assistance and medical access

And most of all a stigmatization of all sorts

That it is a land that bears all variations of problems

With all this to bear and hold

All your beauty and all your flaws

You are my motherland.

A place I call home.

You took many generations from their knees

And made them stand strong and proud

In my eyes,

You are where paradise lies

And through my generation

You live to see us unite,

Work together day and night

To see the time when you will light

And shine ever so bright.

Today and always

I shout these words:

Je t’aime Africa

Nda gukunda Africa

Eu amo-te Africa

Ndinokuda Africa

Ke a go rata Africa

Ana hibu ita Africa

Mena tanda wena Africa

Ana Behibek Africa

Nkwagala Africa

Nakupenda Africa 

I LOVE YOU AFRICA.

 © Christine Kariuki