Umzi Wethu

By Geovalda Cupido

(Umzi 8, Conservation Academy)

I imagined a place

Which seemed out of space,

A place we can call our own

When we look back at when we’re all grown.

I imagined a place

Where the grass is all green

And the residence spring-clean.

Where you see the birds fly,

And hear the monkey’s cry.

I imagined a place,

A place that brings change,

Teaches you to be strong

When hope has been gone for too long.

I imagined a place

Where there’s always someone you can call

Whenever you may fall.

Where you don’t have to hold back on your tears,

Where you can face your fears

Even if it took you years.

I imagined a place

It’s a place called Umzi.

Our home away from home

Where we will never be alone.

You raised me well,

From out of my shell.

That much I can tell

You taught me how to cope,

To never lose hope,

To be strong,

And never do what’s wrong.

Therefore, this poem I dedicate as a song.

Sometimes we fight,

You might lose some sight,

But end up being right.

You’ve always shown me the light,

Guided me through the most frightful night.

You were always there to hold me tight.

Nevertheless,

You will always be the best.