Cry the Beloved Country, By Alan Paton, from his book of the same name.<br /> Options

[Thoth]

Hi everyone,

I have not felt the urge to write since coming home and I am still weak and in a lot of pain.
I can only concentrate for short periods but am able to get around on a wheelchair so things are looking up.
I have begun reading again and picked up an old book, a classic in South African literature written during the height of the apartheid years (60s to 70s).

The insight sensitivity and compassion as well as a deep understanding of Africans of all racial groups is truly amazing.
This poem was in the authors notes and it completely blew me away. Yes, I am still emotionally wobbly from my ordeal.

I cried for it's beauty and wisdom.
I would like to share it with you.

Love Wally

Cry the Beloved Country

By Alan Paton, from his book of the same name.

Cry, the beloved country,
for the unborn child
that is the inheritor of our fear.
Let him not love the earth too deeply.
Let him not laugh too gladly
when the water runs through his fingers,
nor stand too silent when the setting sun
makes red the veld with fire.
Let him not be too moved
when the birds of his land are singing,
nor give too much of his heart
to a mountain or a valley.
For fear will rob him of all
if he gives too much!

[Guest_ohsteve_*]

Wally, How wonderful to see your name once again in the halls of MM. This is truly a very deep and moving poem. I think it could apply to any troubled land, or even people. I know that you have been through a terrible personal tragic time. You have often been in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that every day you get better, I know how hard the struggle for me is to come back from five years of being debilitated to where I am today, but yours I think may be harder. Have courage and faith, take care and write when you are well enough.
Steve