Poem

Jubilation

1

The jubilation began with the creation of the nation.

The joy outpoured, the Tree of Hope we planted,

the heights we would attain,

the fellowship we swore,

the vows we made, the promises laid down –

Who knew it would be so daunting?

Pour out our hearts in song today

Together we have come a long, long way.

2

Yes, we kept the dream alive,

the Tree of Hope we’ve nourished,

through give-and-take, through compromise,

in gladness or in sorrow, in tests of faith

we learned to turn, consolidate,

and take stock for tomorrow.

Pour out our hearts in song today

Together we have come a long, long way.

3

Give thanks to our elders who laid down the nation,

our parents who sacrificed after.

We’ll keep the Tree of Hope alive,

be guardians of faith, of truth, of each other.

We’ll learn the lessons of give-and-take,

to meet the challenge of tomorrow.

Pour out our hearts in song today

Together we have come a long, long way.

4

Sing a hymn to our forebears

A song to the future

A salute to our nation

Sing all together

in jubilation.

Pour out our hearts in song today

Together we have come a long, long way.

– Olive Senior