Whether your eye be brown or blue,
Your skin black or white;
Under God you’ll get your due,
But equality in his sight.
The turbaned wallah in the dust,
Beneath a scorching sky;
A beggar searching for a crust
Or sheltered place to lie.
Despise not these of low degree,
For whom ambition is unheard;
To live each day their only plea
And the next day to be spared.
Brother and sister on life’s path,
Be kind to your fellow man;
Taint not your soul with cruel wrath,
Help others when you can.
The spark of destiny shaped us all,
Regardless of our station;
Glory is for some the call,
Within unique creation.
Perhaps preordained a path from birth;
A name to open every door;
Or obscurity on this ancient earth,
Alms from others to implore.
Use your gifts and talents well;
Aware of fearful and the meek;
They exist with no great tale to tell;
To live in peace is all they seek.
The leader basking in the limelight;
His mantle as a beacon shines;
Those seeking succour in his sight,
Homage occupies their minds.
One sure thing in line of time ongoing
As our lives career along;
Our mortal end is always nearing;
When we’ll leave where we belong.
Monty Alexander 30.5.03