They say you are a nation scattered across the globe, strong but divided.

Capable but misguided.

Your once-valuable resources have lost their worth

You sowed greed, hatred and anger

Now you reap unquenchable scarcity and dearth

They say your people are prisoners

Locked up behind the bars of pride and introversion

Hearts brimming with corruption and perversion

Criminals, deceivers.

Exploiters, hypocritical believers

Their acquisitions about you

Run from the highest mountain tops to the fertile ground below

For how long they cry, will you be that nation

Where death is the only escape people know

If only you can choose to mend and not tear apart

Forgive, let go, heal a shattered heart

Choose to embrace and not discriminate by race

Choose to love, lend

See your fellow neighbour as a brother and friend

Cease to shift the blame

Acquire respect, not riches nor mundane fame

If you choose equality over status

Raw passion over the outcome

Choose to support, nurture and grow

Peace being your life-long mantra, wherever you go

If only you can speak up, even when your voice shakes

Then you can be that nation

Where every hand stretched out is held

Illiteracy and poverty expelled

Constitutional rules and laws upheld

You can be that people

Who pledge in allegiance to be faithful, loyal and just

Cultivating authenticity, value, and trust

Your integrity and wisdom, globally discussed

Priceless gems, beyond measurable cost

A place of endless opportunities

Where dreams are possible and

Talents discoverable

A place of peace.