Yesterday we dreamed
21 July 2016
MICHAEL DOM
It was not so long ago
less even than a lifetime or so
when our nation was so young
and our history had just begun
Then, they stood them all
Forefathers tall
and blessed us
with an anthem song.
We forward went, hither sent
each tribe and clan
in this proud Melanesian land
every son and daughter born
united we did stand
with transient shackles shorn
as a new day did dawn
Did then we dare to dream
and transcend as one
Have our ancestors been told
how far we have come
what do we tell of
what praise, what glory
that children will hear
as pleasant bedtime stories
Our Guardians now indulge
in self-serving histrionics
while idle sons
and beleaguered daughters
survive on informal economics.
Where now, the integrity of Chiefs
that they may bless us truly
where too, the vigour of youth
that will ensure a victory
how now our mothers and children
bear the brunt of brutality
when we fail to act rightly.
What future lies in our hands?
Who will fulfill this people’s destiny?
O arise all ye sons of this land
Let us sing of our joy to be free…
Only yesterday we dreamed
Let us sleep no more.
A poem completed in September 2007
Ten years ago I was naive enough to believe that our political leaders would have matured enough to gain some integrity in character, decency in behaviour, respect for their people, obedience to our laws and compassion for this country.
Maybe not in our lifetime, but we can all be damned if we allow that to be the same for future Papua New Guineans.
Posted by: Michael Dom | 21 July 2016 at 01:28 PM
Stormy rains befell back in year 2007
Rebuild remains, bridges basing agenda
Telling timely truth, a dominant dream
Torn, sorry, yet wonderment Dom's theme
Posted by: Lindsay F Bond | 21 July 2016 at 06:45 AM