Someone Once told Me That....

I am an African
Not because I was born there, because I wasn't.
But because my heart beats with Africa’s
I am an African
Not because my skin is black, because it isn't.
But because my mind is engaged by Africa
I am an African
Not because I live on its soil, because I don't....far from it.
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 babies dying of AIDS, 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 her people that greet me as family, teaching 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 a 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
She nurtures an ancient wisdom, while living in the world’s shadow; but still bursts with a radiant luminosity
I am an African and my name is SAFIYA