In the past I have always wished that we, Africans, could be patriotic. I came across this beautiful poem ‘Love poem for my country‘ by South African writer Sandile Dikeni. I really enjoy the way the author describes his country, the valleys, the birds, the ancient rivers, and its beauty. He feels the peace, the wealth, and the health his country brings. He is one with his country. He is at home! His country is not just words or food, or friends, or family, it is more, it is his essence! That is true patriotism, the bond that links us to the bone to our motherland. Enjoy!
My country is for love
so say its valleys
where ancient rivers flow
the full circle of life
under the proud eye of birds
adorning the sky.
My country is for peace
so says the veld
where reptiles caress
its surface
with elegant motions
glittering in their pride
My country
is for joy
so talk the mountains
with baboons
hopping from boulder to boulder
in the majestic delight
of cliffs and peaks
My country
is for health and wealth
see the blue of the sea
and beneath
the jewels of fish
deep under the bowels of soil
hear
the golden voice
of a miner’s praise
for my country
My country
is for unity
feel the millions
see their passion
their hands are joined together
there is hope in their eyes
we shall celebrate
by Sandile Dikeni
African Heritage 
I am an aspiring poetess, i read this amaizing poem when i was 12years and loved it since then…
LikeLike
1 of de best poems in SA
LikeLike
I need to write a remake of this for england and am really stuck
LikeLike
sandile is a man not a woman
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Aubrey, for the correction. I did verify, and made the changes accordingly.
LikeLike
what a nice poem
LikeLike
I totally agree with you Ronix. Thanks for visiting my blog.
LikeLike
i dont want to say
LikeLike
Be proud of your country know matter what
LikeLike
Very ɗescriptive article, I loved that bit. Will there be a part
2?
LikeLike
Pingback: Happy 2015! | African Heritage
I admire this poem i read it in 2009 but somehow it stil rings in my head
LikeLike
I totally agree with you Giwu. I love this poem as well. Thank you for visiting my blog.
LikeLike
It realy helped me wit my school work
LikeLike
So glad I could help!
LikeLike
I like this poem best in the world
LikeLike
Me too Vansh… it is quite direct, and patriotic.
LikeLike
what type of love or relationship is expressed in this poem
LikeLike
Patriotism
LikeLike
Thanks it helped me in my school work
LikeLike
Happy to help
LikeLike
Wow
Dats a great poem
LikeLike
Pingback: Unity Through Diveristy – Youth Voices
I love the story its really amazing talking about the world that means UA re so proud of it and we also should be.
LikeLike
I see you don’t monetize your page, don’t waste your traffic,
you can earn additional bucks every month because you’ve got hi quality content.
If you want to know how to make extra money, search for:
Boorfe’s tips best adsense alternative
LikeLike
Two weeks back I was relaxing in one of the spots in Khayelitsha township and I met this great poet Sandile Dikeni. He is a kind young looking oldman
LikeLike
Interesting poem about our country
LikeLike
Interesting poem about our country
LikeLike
This poem is awesome and touching. It really shows the feelings the author has for his country.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on African Heritage and commented:
Reblogging this all-time favorite poem on the African Heritage Blog, the third most popular post on the blog.
A question to all readers, as you read this, what do you like the most about this poem by Sandile Dikeni? What is special? And what made you connect to it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a wonderful poem. I really liked the imagery of nature and the animals being at peace with all of this unity going on.
LikeLike
Beautiful. I’m a grade 11 student and we are currently doing an assignment about this poem.
LikeLike
It is a beautiful poem indeed!
LikeLike
where can i find research about this poem
LikeLike
What is the historical background of the poet
LikeLike