Celebrating 50:Xxiv
DISTILLED JAMAICAN ANTHEM
Eternal Father Bless Our Land
we dare to move from plantation puppets to freedom
and we who had no voice to speak before must find
in ourselves a deeper than the echo of words design
bless o Lord that will not before the unfamiliar stand dumb
Guide Us With Thy Mighty Hand
for we are small scraps of land with only water 'round us
and there as some that give with one hand and take away
with the other: guide us that we will not dissolve like clay
in greed's commercial pond, nor treat neighbors like the dust
Keep Us Free From Evil Powers,
it was not easy all those years as slaves, and no way again
we shall not surrender to demons, their powers, or threats
we shall not be ruled by greed, corruption, or phony mindsets
but shall always be free, and for freedom endure life's strain
Be Our Light Through Countless Hours.
from accompong to stony gut we have seen some dark times
from labour riots to garrison communes the cloud thicker flies
but we believe our faith father in you is light to darkened eyes
and your sun shining in our hearts light the way each climbs
To Our Leaders, Great Defender,
the fathers in the homes, the mothers, the teachers, the priests
make them meaningful in their roles, commit them with pride
that those who come after them may solemnly match each stride
and those we elected, O lord, may their patriotism never cease
Grant True Wisdom From Above.
so let the achieved, the appointed, the ascribed, and the called
gather from the homes, communities, institutions that's ordained
to meet you where your wisdom falls, in your word, in sustained
prayer, and where the people complain, and let none be appalled.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, Land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love
Copyright © David Smalling | Year Posted 2012
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment