They raped you for your jewels, severed your limbs and splattered your blood
Leaving indelible scars of shame and tortured memories of pain
But your spirit survived the onslaught and they could not claim your soul
Rise Up Mama Salone, Rise Up
Disease ravaged your body and seized many lives
They called it an epidemic that had no cure
But you remained relentless and never gave up
Rise up Mama Salone, Rise Up
You who gave us sun-drenched days on Lumley Beach
Breathtaking views from the hills of Leicester Peak
And that majestic Cotton Tree
Rise up Mama Salone, Rise Up
God smiles down on you
Your children all over the globe cheer for you
They will not abandon you
Rise up Mama Salone, Rise Up
Your daughters will cling to your bosom
Your sons stand unassailable to protect your honor
Peace, transparency, prosperity prevail
Rise Up Mama Salone, Rise up
Lift your head up high and show the world your magnificent beauty and grace unparalleled
You have endured, persevered, emerged from the darkness carrying the torchlight of hope
From Kabala to Freetown to Tumabum to Yengema – Rise up victoriously, Rise up triumphantly
Rise up Mama Salone, Rise up!
Tracy Olabisi Coker is a passionate Sierra Leonean American writer who believes that the written word is art that can open minds and transform hearts. “Rise Up, Mama Salone” pays homage to Sierra Leone
4 Comments
by Hermia Johnson
Your storytelling is both passionate and purposeful. Your work is and will be appreciated all over Africa and the world to appreciate.
by Jeneba Bishop
That’s was absolutely delightful, wow. Great job Tracy!!💯✊👏🤝
Jeneba
by Jessica Carrillo
Tracy! Wow! I’m impressed! The poem is an expression of the fight of resilient women of virtue who gracefully fight through adversity. I’m sooo proud of you!!! Women across the globe can relate to this transparent expression of hope. #FightTheGoodFightOfFaith
by Amy F/W
When life is dismal and I feel down,
I will think of you and Sierra Leone.