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 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 recognize her gifts as sacred


By: Wayne Visser