ODE: "REIGNS IF AFRICA" BY BISHOP SAHR ISAAC PETERSON

Reigns of Africa 

A leader rises bright today  

Vision guides the land forward  

Purpose burns strong clear always  

People rejoice together now freely  

Reigns of Africa

Pan-African dreams expand wide today  

Unity banishes all fear forever  

Progress walks steady forward daily  

Mountains echo ancient songs loudly  

Reigns of Africa  

We celebrate you Africa always  

Your name echoes always near  

In our dress we stand  

Like the Iroko Tree standing  

Reigns of Africa

As we green we live  

We're scorpions baobas eagles strong  

From Tanzania to Lesotho far  

From Nigeria to Comoros near  

Reigns of Africa 

Down the Lion Mountains high  

We clap thunderous applause loud  

Oh Africa green land blessed  

Where fresh dams flow freely  

Reigns of Africa  

You're the Mansa Musu great  

You're Yaa Ashantiwa brave still  

Kwame Nkrumah leads minds today  

Thomas Sankara inspires youth always  

Reigns of Africa 

Wangari Maathai plants hope daily  

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti fights hard boldly  

Patrice Lumumba speaks truth always  

Miriam Makeba sings freedom loudly  

Reigns of Africa

We honor all heroes today  

Bishop Peterson stands tall proud  

In his country cloth bright  

Apparels shining bright today always  

Reigns of Africa

Speaking of gun wounds deep  

Killing innocents for power shame  

Yet we rise stronger daily  

We smile push oneness banners  

Reigns of Africa

Though stripped by xenophobia pain  

We as one stand firm  

We're soil of greenery life  

We're the world's mouthpiece today  

From valleys to meadows wide  

We bow raise anthem loud  

Of power of fame life  

We're Africa forever standing strong  

© By Bishop Sahr Isaac Peterson

- Sierra Leone, West Africa.

"Reigns of Africa" by Bishop Sahr Isaac Peterson is a celebratory Pan-African poem that honours the continent's rich heritage, cultural diversity, and enduring spirit. The poet praises Africa's natural beauty, resilient people, and the ideals of unity, progress, and self-determination. By referencing renowned African heroes and heroines, the poem acknowledges their contributions to freedom, leadership, and social justice while inspiring present and future generations.

The poem also addresses the challenges facing the continent, such as violence, political conflict, and xenophobia, but maintains an optimistic tone by emphasizing Africa's strength and ability to overcome adversity. Through vivid imagery of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural symbols, the poet portrays Africa as a land of hope, pride, and abundance. Ultimately, the poem is a tribute to Africa's past and present, as well as a call for solidarity, perseverance, and faith in the continent's promising future.