Ubuntu: I Am because We Are



"I am because we are," a truth profound,
In Ubuntu's philosophy, our humanity's found,
Our shared existence, interconnectedness so strong,
In unity we thrive, together we belong.
 
To be truly human, the first maxim shows,
Recognize others' worth, let empathy flow,
Through others, our mirror, humanity's reflected,
Respectful relations bloom, connections perfected.

When choices arise, wealth or life to save,
Opt for life's preservation, the second principle crave,
For human value, far outweighs riches' gleam,
Thus, benevolence and compassion reign supreme.

Even the king’s power, the third tenet’s clear,
Springs from people's will, to whom he owes dear,
His status, a communal gift from voices below him,
Their will becomes his role, to uphold without a whim.

Solidarity's our strength, collectivity’s our might,
A life of sharing, a love life radiating light,
“Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” the Zulu recite,
Let’s live Ubuntu's truth, day and night.
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Written on August 10, 2023

Submitted by Aloo-Denish on August 09, 2023

Modified by Aloo-Denish on February 18, 2024

52 sec read
7

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABB XXCC DDEE FFGG HHHH
Closest metre Iambic hexameter
Characters 968
Words 170
Stanzas 5
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Aloo Denish

A Kenyan bioscientist (biochemist), leader and writer more…

All Aloo Denish poems | Aloo Denish Books

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