The Land of My Birth
I left you long ago for a place unknown
Every time I remember how it used to be
My heart is always flooded with memories
It was not always about the running water, electricity or the good roads
It was simply about the rich abiding love that people shared with others
If I did not show up at church, somebody stopped by to check that I was okay
If they did not turn up at a place, it was my duty to be certain that everything was alright
Neighbors were family friends not just people you waved to
Deeds were done not for a fee but out of love and that was the way we rolled
I became a mother for the first time in a strange land, I could not be more lonely
Husband had to go to school, I had no one to turn to
I called my Mama, thousands of miles in Africa, I wept and wept
All she could say was, "baby you can do it" you go on and be blessed
It was tough, it was hard but I made it
If I did not know God in a personal way, I might have lost it
I miss you Oh land of my birth every now and then
The laughter, the pure joy, the unfailing love I shared with others
The help of others that was always at hand
Everyone looking for what they could give not what they could get
Though you have your share of woes but you are still the land of my birth
Though you are still developing as a nation, you have qualities that can not be compared
I have found a home in this place, it is no longer strange
I have been blessed with a family and friends that do care
Copyright © Toyin John | Year Posted 2012
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