Weep For Me I'M Dying
Of a distant land I ponder.
Of a country torn asunder.
Of Zimbabwe ne'er forgotten -
Where the life has turned so rotten.
Ah it tugs my heartstrings so -
This much loved land so full of woe.
In my dreams I walk in bushland.
Glimpse stealthy leopard stalk at night.
And I see the fertile valleys -
Watch graceful heron soar in flight.
In the twilight, drink the wildlife -
As spellbound, I view the game.
While the crimson golden sunset
fades gently, gently as it wanes.
I tingle in awe and marvel in wonder,
At our Victoria Falls which smoke and thunder.
Down Devil's Cataract they tumble,
Spurting froth and foam as they rumble.
While Rainbow Gorge, in the light of day -
Gleams misty colours, across sky's way.
1 climb the steep Matopos Rock,
Where lizards dart and run amok.
Above a wondrous view Rhodes rests -
Which faces north, south, east and west.
Oh please God let him lie in peace -
Unravaged by man or marauding beast.
At the Zimbabwe Reins of historic fame,
(Built hundreds of years before we came,
By a lost civilization with knowledge and flair
Who left us a heritage, incredibly rare)
I pause to admire their stonework and skill
And to puzzle as to why -
They no longer are here -
Did they sicken and die or flee in fear?
Kariba our lake is a haven of bliss,
Where sportsmen trawl for the tiger fish.
Where the eagles call and the hippos bellow,
And on the shore browse elephants,
Magnificent fellows.
A paradise for man and beast
And at night lions roar to disturb our sleep.
Full of nostalgia I remember it all,
Before life began to crumble and fall.
Oh "Cry my Beloved Country", for the Shangri-la of yore.
For the land of milk and honey,
When there was peace, order and law.
Where lush crops grew on fertile soil,
And the people were happy –
Not greedy for more.
But dark clouds loomed, and then came strife,
And all freedom vanished – overnight.
In pensive mood I gaze in a crystal ball
But it's too late now a despot reigns.
The termites came. They stole our farms.
And theft and brutality caused heartbreak and pain.
So much hope and promise gone.
Instead – hunger and misery – it's all so wrong.
Now our land lies barren and bare.
And many leave to be safe from fear.
They start new lives in distant lands –
But stored in their hearts are memories dear –
And a fierce pride dwells –
In the hearts of all.
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