The day that Mr. Gibson took a pen and then he wrote;<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
An anthem dear, which we declare, our country can devote.<o:p></o:p>
A brand new dawn, a nation born with sun, sand and sea;<o:p></o:p>
A people cry, so fill with pride and look like you and me.<o:p></o:p>
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Struggling on from dusk till dawn but never once apart;<o:p></o:p>
Reminded each day, give thanks and pray for God lives in our heart.<o:p></o:p>
With steadfast eyes, together we rise; determined and so we stand;<o:p></o:p>
Forward, upward and onward we’re marching on Bahama land.<o:p></o:p>
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We will not bow nor ever allow the stranger to tear us down;<o:p></o:p>
Trodden and kill that which we’ve built and leveled it to the ground.<o:p></o:p>
Our common ideal, clearly reveal, traditions from our past;<o:p></o:p>
Here we will stand hand in hand; together we shall last.<o:p></o:p>
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As we move on, focus upon the issues in our life;<o:p></o:p>
There’s bound to be, we’ll disagree, cause pain, heartaches and strife.<o:p></o:p>
We are all our brothers keepers whether gathered large or few;<o:p></o:p>
We walk each day by faith and pray our faith will take us through.<o:p></o:p>
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This I have seen for some have been portrayed as racist foe.<o:p></o:p>
To love and unity this was a devastating blow.<o:p></o:p>
A convoluted system treating man like filthy beast;<o:p></o:p>
As long as there’s injustice, I fear, we shall not have peace.<o:p></o:p>
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From the day I heard that anthem I felt like a man;<o:p></o:p>
I proudly walk the streets waving a flag in my right hand.<o:p></o:p>
Solemnly lift my head as I look up into the sky;<o:p></o:p>
Standing with my people; our bright banners waving high.<o:p></o:p>
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Thank you Mr. Gibson, your thoughts are truly heard;<o:p></o:p>
I travel round the world and represent your every word.<o:p></o:p>
There’s always something new to learn ever your anthem’s read;<o:p></o:p>
Thou absent from us in body, your soul is never dead.<o:p></o:p>
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Keep marching on to a glorious dawn and smile upon our youth;<o:p></o:p>
Intercede on our behalf until we find the truth.<o:p></o:p>
I know mercy in heaven abound, or so I have been told;<o:p></o:p>
May our spirits march together on streets paved with gold.<o:p></o:p>
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One last thing Mr. Gibson, if you have the time;<o:p></o:p>
I’ve nothing worthy to give in honor so I wrote this rhyme.<o:p></o:p>
I trust that it embodies each child, woman and man;<o:p></o:p>
Proud to be Bahamian in this our Bahama land.<o:p></o:p>
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Again I say thank you, good sir, sincerely from the heart;<o:p></o:p>
You may never recognize me but it is a start.<o:p></o:p>
Like you I put a pen to paper and cast away the fear;<o:p></o:p>
Composing words of honor crafted to ring within our ear.<o:p></o:p>
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Please touch our heart and guide us as we forwardly march on;<o:p></o:p>
And keep us moving upward till the last of us is gone.<o:p></o:p>
Protect and provide daily our sun our sea and sand;<o:p></o:p>
Pressing together onto glory; march on Bahama land
