A Poem For South Africa: “Oh My Beloved Country, Set Yourself Free”

A poem for South Africa, by Jeanette Kriek Hoft…

It is not black against white
that’s not the fight
it is respect for life
versus those who use a knife

it is not those who have not
versus those who have got
it is those who come to take a life
whether it be child, husband or wife

it is not those in power
trying to govern their best
it is those who have no values
to put to the test

we cry not only for the farmer
wishing South Africa again be calmer
we mourn every person who died
in this murderous tide

we shake our heads in despair
hoping this can be resolved by prayer
but it will take every man, woman and child
to stand together, reconciled

my heart aches for my country of birth
how did we get to this place of dearth
where the actions of a murderous few
has led to hatred bleeding through

how can this misery be stopped
again bringing humanity to the top
oh my beloved country set yourself free
from the shackles of this murderous spree

this is not black against white
it’s a call to reunite
it’s a call to take a hand
irrespective where you stand

Written by Jeanette Kriek Hoft, South African expat now living in Canada
Photographer unknown.