Ocean of tears
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© UNICEF/SouthAfrica/Rheeder |
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Vuyiswa-Mtolo Senior Secondary School: girls and boys at the forefront of change |
A poem by a grade 9 boy from the GEM club at Vuyiswa-Mtolo School in KwaMashu near Durban, KwaZulu Natal Province.
I
Can it be that I am not dull witted and ignorant but gifted?
Can it be the abuse I encountered doesn’t make me a crushed person
Can it be just because I wash my face with tears now, does not mean the life will never be kind to me again
Can it be the emotional rejection does not imply
I will never be psychological sound.
II
I may be a poor African Child
But I am the future of the world
I may be poor and sleep without food in my stomach
But I am somebody
I have the right to be respected and not violated
I have the right to a good life as a human being because I am somebody.
III
Life is full of ups and downs
But I smile because I am alive.
I’m left with young siblings who need food
I’m not working I’m schooling I’m just a kid who will help.
May be a good Samarian will come forward
May be tomorrow the tears of my soul will be wiped dry.
IV
Where do I see myself tomorrow
Being a Chartered Accountant
Being an Engineer or being Entrepreneur
How big is big dream.
Will destiny decide some dreams are unrealizable
Is the sky the limit of one’s mind.
Where to from here?
Yesterday was experienced, today negotiated, tomorrow who knows by God!
V
What has gone wrong with our world for it to be visited by such an enemy as HIV/AIDS
Why is our grown up people and youth slaughtered by HIV/AIDS.
Why is HIV/AIDS destroying our nation
Why is destruction of societies future?
The graveyards are being filled to overflow with the beloved victims of HIV/AIDS
Our mothers, fathers, brother and sisters are snatched away from us
How much suffering is enough for one person to experience?
Oceans of tears when will answers arrive?
