Written piece
Joys of a Growing Child
Kyohairwe Kay
Uganda
About this piece
The poem is an emotional presentation of the aspirations of a young girl’s dreams to grow and develop herself. Through her desire to become somebody, the poem provokes the idea of equal opportunities and education as a nurturing means to grow a child regardless of background. Her
The Joys of a Growing Child
Running barefoot a little girl steps out
On a ragged stony road thoughtful;
‘Education is fruit that bears a flower,’ mum says
So, she hurries excitedly focused ahead.
Her tender foot pressing hard on sharp stones
Her soft skin kissed by cold morning mist
She dares complain, a brighter dream roars
Her hand pushes through the gates
As the morning sun rays dance upon her face
She stretches out her arms wide
Like wings of a bird leaning to fly,
Embracing joy, freedom, and endless grace.
“I am here,” her happy spirits sing,
Screams of other children ignite her joy
Hear that? She dreams similarly in ambition
A doctor, nurse, engineer, the future’s fair.
Day after day, the road still drives her here!
Each mist, each sunrise brings wonders to mind.
Today, beyond the hills, dark clouds gather softly
lightening whispers loudly from the changing skies.
‘Oh! Rain, rain, rain,’ little girl imagines
that breathes life to plants and trees,
the treasure that refurbishes life in her.
In these daily simple cycles, this little girl observes
From differing lands and tongues,
The similar drums of common needs, hopes, dreams
Common too in hills, plants, rivers and space
The little girl extends a hand to another child
And, another and another in cycles the kids sing
In chorus, mindful of these common treasures
Each day after day with united hands.
So, the little barefoot girl still runs.
Her footsteps echo with every other child
Walking toward a shared tomorrow
Evenings still bring warm stories
around a mother’s fireplace.
Stories of ancestors, customs,
of people’s wisdom near and far,
Soothing her into sleep, before;
Another walk beneath the sunlight.
Another chance to hold hands in play,
beyond her own family; the joy of this little girl.