Written piece
Three Colors, One Thread - POEM
Pako Mokowe
Botswana
About this piece
Botswana’s thread is unity, respect, and communal care. Many live and thrive here. We have practices like "Molaletsa & Matshidiso" and more, where we help one another during all occasions. We welcome all nations, and uphold shared values and practices yielding prosperity for all.
There beats an African drum in the heart of the south,
a rhythm that moves the feet and fills the mouth.
It crosses borders not to conquer or take,
but to offer salvation for a commonwealth’s sake.
Forged by wise old hands and strengthened through time,
fortified by descendants who honour the climb,
all bound by one living identity;
a blue, black and white thread of unity.
This is the glue that deems nations fit,
the fibre that stitched what history had knit.
Hear how it roars in the southern light,
a pride that stands taller than the lion at night.
Its needles are rich with a mystical substance; “Botho”-
"respect" on the tongue, where warm greetings flow.
For transits, no need to wangle salutations;
kindness arrives before introductions.
As wide as the blue sky where all birds can fly,
this Eden is a haven for souls passing by.
Bare witness to beauty from the heart of the south,
where peace and prosperity speak with one mouth.
Solitude pacified by solidarity,
dance to these melodies and witness wars turn to parodies.
A rainbow of beings grazes these lands,
yet unity still holds them hand in hand.
Different cultures, beliefs, and deities too,
move to one heartbeat, old yet new.
Even in times of sorrow, offering a warm blanket in the cold,
they carry each other, steadfast and bold.
Merged like the great waters of the Okavango,
their visions and missions flow gently but strong.
And when the clouds hold back their rain,
they call “Pula” together through joy and pain.
This is the thread my Botswana brings to the loom:
a rhythm of respect that refuses gloom.
For ours is a nation whose Vision 2036 declares,
“Prosperity for all” - common wealth we share.
So lend your senses and heed this call,
stitch blue, black and white beside them all.
From the heart of the south, let the new quilt start;
one drum, one thread, one Commonwealth heart.