Fatherland My Motherland (From the Nigerian Within)

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And yes we are called the Nigerians
Though differed in tribe and tongue,
Yet, in loving strength and faith united,
With war in the past and strife at present,
We hold strongly to our sovereign freedom,
To uphold that honor and that glory,
Of a people diverse but so industrious,
Remembering the labor of our heroes past.

Though today our strength is tested,
We assure tomorrow with steadfast faith,
As a breed of people never subdued.
Though a few of us may act unfairly
And tarnish the name of our dear country,
The most of us are true good people,
With honor and hard work so abounding,
Revered by those who truly know us.

Amidst the troubles, we count our blessings,
A dear native land with nature’s endowments,
Useful cocoa, oil, peanut, and manpower,
Moderate climate of rain and sunshine,
Kind to the production of diverse food.
With great vision and lofty heights attainable,
We can still make it if we honestly strive
For that nation where justice reign and peace endure.

©Oliver O. Mbamra – POEMS OF FREEDOM (updated Oct. 1st 2013)

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For more about Oliver click to see his BIOGRAPHY

For a few more of Oliver’s poems CLICK HERE

For some of his other recent writings CLICK HERE