Transition by Hugo van Staden
When you reach score years and ten
To have to leave, to immigrate
To let go that which is dear to you
That which gave purpose and meaning to life
Your language, your culture
That which you loved
Those whom you loved
To let them go with the flow of the tide
Is a sadness beyond all things
Like dying slowly
Releasing one's quest to be alive
This feeling of utter loneliness
Forlorn with tepid awe
To glimpse what lies beyond -
Unknown expectations
That haunt in thoughts and deeds
With one's own dualities of highs and lows
Fluctuating between the certainties
Of how our survival's supposed to be
But in this darkness, a glimpse, a solace to know
That in this new land there is freedom
A zest for life not to be threatened
By dark and evil intent -
And relief and gratitude
Becomes part of our orphan tears
To be in this land of contrasts
Of pulsing life and incredible beauty
For tropics and forests and endless Desert
Beckons you - reaches out
For you to forget your hurt
To look beyond the horison and into the sky
Silently telling you gently
We need you as you need us
We will love you when you love us
Come, come into our fold
Be part of us, blend, adapt
Seek out the rapture
Enfold within your heart
Embrace and accept your new land
Australia.
Copyright © 1999, Hugo van Staden All rights reserved
Copyright ©1999 Freida van Staden All rights reserved