POEM — She Did Not Know

In her poverty

she was rich

but did not know.

She did not know

that in embrace of that ghut

was place and grace.

 

She did not know

that hand-me-downs

wore values, norms

of community,

of dignity;

she did not know.

She did not know

that wrong turn

was no mistake,

she did not know

in troubled pity

was packaged her destiny;

she did not know.

She did not know

the grind and brine

of work beyond her strength

would fortify loyalty,

instil integrity

in self and country

where she would grow;

she did not know.

Now she knows

that invisible Hand

was scripting the writ

of destiny

in this land

according to His plan

of fairness, mercy,

justice and humility.

Now she knows

what she did not know!

 

 

This poem is dedicated to all the courageous women who offered themselves in a decently run campaign during the general elections. You will no doubt continue to position yourselves to help this territory wherever help is needed, as you can. Congratulations, too, to all the male candidates who genuinely offered themselves in a decently run campaign. I have no ear for those who chose to degrade others. We must learn that we can criticise constructively and point out wrongdoing without all the slander and mudslinging.