Joy to Ethiopia the children have come back
To help light up candles in places cold and dark.
All of them with excitement flocked into motherland
Chanting, the divided we fall and the united we stand.
Initially some traveled in the usual way
Few others led astray and ended in dismay.
Still others followed the route to opportunity
Thus, they succeeded struggling with integrity.
Yet, there they adjusted in the course of time
They achieved their objectives of economic prime.
Numerous reasons forced them away and out
They are stinging poverty, fear and great doubt.
Opportunities at home were too high to reach
They were impossible to express in speech.
The youth filled with unrestrained ambitions
Set out to succeed in foreign lands and nations.
It is difficult to leave behind a parent or relative
Yet, their desire is pure, their actions imperative.
Today Diaspora gathers at this very place and time
They’re filled with joy in this season of kindness sublime.
Releasing profusely their long-suppressed love
Nothing more’s pleasing on this earth and above.
Never to negligence had they ever yielded
Instantly they responded when the country pleaded.
The cry of women and children resound in their ears
It’s time to compensate for their indifferent years.
It is not too late to address the dire crisis
The compact gift of life, love in synopsis.
The churning stomach tuned to ravishing hunger
None responds to it except dear brother or sister.
Eagerly reaching the blissful shore
They’re thrilled by assisting even more.
Since their folks are tossed adrift
They stretch their hands of bounteous gift.
Seeking hands are desperately stretching
Demanding support with a cry and lamenting.
It’s the earnest call that brought them here
There’s nothing more; the plea is loud and clear.
Behold and lo this surprises us all
Diaspora’s blessings pour on us all.
Waite and see what is yet to come
Miracles will happen, completed will be the Dam.
Our destination isn’t far, so great our goal
It won’t take us long to stand firm and tall.
The Diaspora bent on this noble cause
From everywhere they unanimously rose.
With strong zeal of redeeming the nation
Defiantly they caused a global commotion.
They voiced NO MORE the world around
Such unabated struggle nowhere else found.
Revealing the image of motherland Ethiopia
The Diaspora prognosticated the national utopia.
Because of this cause they have proved their presence
And will catapult their country to her height in essence.
The Diaspora, with us strive in harmony
To revive the war-torn Ethiopia’s economy
The ways are many, the systems vary
We should wisely exchange our dollar money.
Exchangers line up along the street
And entice those without discreet.
They talk about the high interest rate
Many are dissuaded from thinking straight.
Legal precaution is vital in foreign exchange
Act right and avoid black market’s challenge.
The displaced look forward to the diaspora’s arrival
Joyfully the guests contribute much to their survival.
We have witnessed the stack of their donation items
Government’s development programs, thus it heightens.
Their readiness to participate in rehabilitation effort
Exhibits how far they’ve gone to assess and support.
Some Diaspora showed their valor to fight
Get rid of the enemy, make the future bright.
Once the ground is clear and the weeds are weeded
For the growth of the country, that is all needed.
The citizens rejoice at Diaspora’s intention
They are so committed without hesitation.
Kindled in their heart the great country’s love
They keep it nourished with innocence of the dove.
Nothing sways them to do the otherwise
With integrity the whole world they surprise.
Immediately stepping out of that great plane
They embarked on cleaning the victims’ bloody stain.
Feeding and clothing, their primary job
As displaced people approach them in mob
Tears trickled down their faces at such grim sight
They believe it won’t last long, it will soon be bright.
To enhance the blessed success of the national cause
The Diaspora all over the world unanimously rose.
As Christians to celebrate Christmas at Lalibela
They descended on the town with Hermela.
Welcome again our distinguished children
To us, you are blessed sisters and brethren.
Bear in mind this night won’t long endure
It will sure be very bright and pure.
Hurray!!!
BY JOSEPH SOBOKA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 13 JANUARY 2022
