Independence day 09 Oct. 2007, for Uganda

I am dedicating this poem to all Ugandans. Everywhere. Happy independence day.

A little on what inspired it.

I got out of bed early, as usual. I must say I did not want to. My love’s warmth was an attraction, and we were holding each other so close that I felt there was something to be missed, getting out of bed.

But I did. The call of the morning.

Independence day. I hold little flame for most public holidays. They seem not to exist for me. But my mother-in-law is visiting, and my love is in bed, and the day is beautiful. No wonder that my heart is singing with praise, a worship of the joy of being alive.

I saw this guy. I know him, a bare acquittance. He is a poor guy, failed to continue in school about a year or two ago. Now rides a ‘boda-boda’. So, early morning, he gets up as usual, to go do his work, even on Independence day.

He is quite, not much of a talker. He is kind. And he attracts me.

(I know, I am ‘married’, but I am also a human being, and I do look. I am no angel, nor would I like to be!). I was looking at him, and I started writing this poem.

I must say I barely know him. To me, when I saw him this morning, he was like a catalyst for this poem, and I wrote it.

I dedicate it to all Ugandans. May you know this beauty of heart.

Beauty

there’s a beauty of the hearts,

that’s forever tempting-

a child’s boundless innocence,

its sense of love and trust;

a youth’s reaching confidence,

not yet there but willing to try;

a heart that’s gold with love;

the parent’s anxious attendance-

dad’s beaming pride,

mum’s enveloping hug;

there’s that beauty, a wondrous face

may try imitate but-

its of the soul, the heart,

shining though the person silent be;

tugging the heart with diamond chain-

a favour to find, to see, to gaze;

there’s a beauty of the hearts…

©GayUganda