By Rekik Truye Netsanet
Misconceptions about the motherland are indeed
visible with every sense
as the media, news casters and advertisers
seek to gain for their own benefit.
Ethiopian?? Really?? I pause with such phantom
The questions continuously dispersing…
Why? How? What ever happened??
Isn’t that home to poverty, wars and famine?
Lean back as I indulge you
of who and where I come from
Obviously reading fine print
Hasn’t been a practice for some
Mother Ethiopia, I speak before you
to emulate the mind and carefully correct
putting aside negative implications
I’m coming real and with respect!
Located in the midst of East Africa
I border the West by Sudan, East by Djibouti and Somalia
The south by Kenya and the Northeast, Eritrea.
Originally known as Abyssinia
mentioned in the biblical era
Where Semitics migrated during Pre-Historic times
and the oldest nation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Coptic Christianity was brought into the region
As it gradually became Ethiopia’s state religion
Mentioned in the bible, so vividly inscripted
as prosperous religious practices, date back years before the European.
Where the Prophet Mohammed sent his followers
from dawn to dusk
Reiterating his statement, to
“Never touch Ethiopia, as the people are just”
Wukro, Ethiopia-home to Africa’s first mosque
In addition, the first nation in the world to accept Islam
Where would the nation be without it’s royal lineage?!?!…
As the Queen Sheba set out to visit King Solomon
She then learned and grasped the Judaism faith
gradually converting to it.
Due to this act, Judaism was spread throughout Ethiopia
As the influence is seen through creative hand-made products
by who are known, as the ‘Felasha’.
Son of Sheba and Solomon, Menelik I
pays his father a heart warm visit
upon his arrival, he brought forth God’s sacred words
known as the Arc of the Covenant.
Now, let me begin with Axum
Ethiopia’s first capital city
Where it’s practice brought prosperity and change
and well respected for it’s red sea trading.
Lalibella, Ethiopia one of the most holiest places on Earth
Where a Jerusalem in Africa, was brought to birth.
The churches, each carved and connected
in three separate sections
The church was designed so that the Cross would be visible
only from the Heavens.
Breathtaking architectural structure
of such castles and palaces
constructed and established by the emperors of Gonder.
Addis Ababa, the pinpoint of the capital city and state
Where the African Union, UNEC and OAU are officially based.
Harrar, and it’s astonishing treasure
I begin to thoroughly unfold
Admired for its ancient buildings and city walls
standing as the 4th holiest Islamic city in the world.
During the era known as “Zemene Mesafint”
A fierce warrior known as King Tewodros II successfully
brought unification and modernization within the region.
King Yohannes, a strong progressive ruler
who repelled threats from Egypt, Italy and Sudan
The only King to lose his life
protecting his adherent faith and motherland.
Menelik II accomplished the dreams
many had anticipated
As his overwhelming dignity and pride
resisted European cooperation.
Ethiopia—Africa’s only Independent nation
Uneducated people, get the correct information
Many wished to conquer but has never let it be
It remains undefeated, just ask Italy.
The leader behind the Pan African movement
Emperor Haile Sellasie himself
whose famous “League of nation’s speech” is remembered
more than the Aggression itself.
The colors of the Ethiopian flag,
a reminder of unacceptable acts of colonialism and slavery
Adopted by many African nations as it reassures
Independent sovereignty.
A discovery in the region of Afar
leaves Science with a new trace
Dinkinesh (Lucy), the cradle of mankind
evolved the present day human race.
The media labels us illiterate, uncivilized and unstable as it can get
Yet, I come from a nation who produced, introduced and formed
it’s own written Alphabet.
Indeed our past is embedded with Gold texture
Yet we must unite together through a common cause
to create the Future even richer!
Positive change is a task that slowly grows
beginning progressively
Let us expand our minds through Innovation
both individually and collectively.
Home to the Nile, Semein Mountains
and natural beauty seeks no end
As the urge to ensure development marks my path
Forever, Green Yellow Red!
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