Lord Remember the African Child

Forgive all the lofty sins his ancestors did, Forget their worship of carvings lifeless and mute, And show compassion to the African child; Supply his daily bread and enough to drink, Cloth his nudity and shoe to cover his feet, And give him hope and help him think Of tomorrow, and dreams adequate to accomplish a feat; At least to end his ancestors lethargy. Defend him against the spite of this tyrannical world; Smite all that deny him bread And blight any that may make sport of his low estate; Strike with fright and numbing dread All that may rejoice in his fate. Paralyze with lightning his haters and molesters, Deafen with thunder that block his feeble course; Incapacitate with leprosy all despotic masters That enslave his muscle and sinew. Hear Lord this my prayer for the African child His suffering alleviate that it be a little mild; All that increase it I pray you torment all the more, And I'm your faithful servant Hannington Mumo!