The following poem was found in a little book called, A Souvenir by Charles A. Emanuel from St. Thomas. ~ 1912
There are so many wonderful poems written long ago about the Virgin Islands.
I love discovering them and sharing them here on the blog.
Africa Arise
By Charles A. Emanuel
Africa arise! The dawn of Truth is breaking,
Thy ransomed children come from lands afar;
Following their leader in the soul’s awakening,
Against Errors, host to wage perpetual war.
Bitter the conflict, but on Him depending,
Nought can withstand their steady onward move,
Listen to their voices, Fear and Darkness rending,
As Light and Truth break from the throne above.
Long centuries of toil and oppression,
Long centuries of blood and conflict dire,
Long centuries of bitter persecution,
We have passed out unscathed through the fire.
Assembled here upon this “Gem of Ocean,“
Beneath this sacred dome, we bend our knees,
With hands uplifted, and with heart’s devotion,
Thanksgiving now we offer unto Thee.
We praise thee, Father, for thy love which led us,
Despite the dangers of this doleful way,
We thank thee for the bread divine that fed us,
As heavenly manna falling day by day.
Africa arise! thy morning star is shining,
Thy light is come, Behold, thy Truth appears,
Beyond this centuries gloomy storm clouds’ lining
Break forth the dawn light of the “Thousand Years.”
Press onward, then, in joyful expectation
Of higher gains; of everlasting good:
Arise, unite, become a mighty nation,
Lifting thy hands unto the Living God.