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to pull another hand into the light." -Amrit Desai
"In Africa, there is a concept known as UBUNTU – the
profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others;
that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal
measure be due to the work and achievement of others." – Nelson Mandela.
In celebration of her 3rd blogoversary, blogland's beloved Michelle Wallace is hosting this Ubuntu Bloghop from February 18-21. During this time, we're invited to post something that captures the spirit of ubuntu--a beautiful concept. I've written a poem.
Mere Chance
I stride into your eyes and see
I could be you.
You could be me.
Divided lives that crave the same:
Love, respect, a valued name.
Bereft of excess,
our needs so few:
Awaking safe
with breath anew.
Both good souls,
two lots to bear.
Would life make sense,
a fate we'd share.
Yet I bathe myself
in waste replete
As you stave demons
on the street.
Your time,
a fight
a fight
and mine,
a dance.
a dance.
Mere chance contrasts
each circumstance.
Your hurdles, vast
Your earnest, true
How easily
I could be you.
Absolutely beautiful, Robyn! Such profound thoughts that really evoke the spirit of UBUNTU. Very powerful ending.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Seemingly different worlds, but that last line speaks the truth. Beautiful, Robyn!
ReplyDeleteYour poetry is just beautiful, Robyn!!
ReplyDeleteBur for the grace of God, there go I. Wonderfully said!
ReplyDeleteLovely and heartfelt poem, Robyn. I really like this.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever noticed that some things evoke a sense of grace; of profound love?
ReplyDeleteYour poem is one of those things Robyn.
Your poem is beautiful and profound... and captures the essence of Ubuntu... perfectly!
ReplyDeleteIt made me teary-eyed...
Thank you for reaching out in the spirit of Ubuntu... across cyberspace... to participate in the blog hop.
Writer In Transit
Such a lovely poem. I love the meaning behind UBUNTU. I wish all people would embrace the idea. How much lovelier life could be then!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully expressed. 'Mere chance constrasts each circumstance.' This is why I disagree with our government's 'Turn back the (refugee) boats.' That could be my family except by circumstance.
ReplyDeleteVery nice poem, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Denise.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your warmhearted comments.
Michelle, I wasn't sure I quite hit on ubuntu with this. I also wasn't going to state that or apologize. Now I feel I did. THANK you for inspiring this.
Oh Jacqueline, I'm touched.
Theresa, it is purely beautiful. I never knew the word. I'm grateful to Michelle for introducing it.
Love and blessings,
xoRobyn
That was truly amazingly written.
ReplyDeleteWow. Very powerfully written!
ReplyDeleteWhat a humbling reminder about how grateful and selfless we should be. This was fantastic, Robyn.
ReplyDeleteHi human, Robyn,
ReplyDeleteThe lovely Michelle is celebrating her third year anniversary of blogging by have such a thoughtful blog hop.
Powerful prose, my human friend. Circumstances dictate a different fate.
Pawsitive wishes,
Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!
A lovely poem with a poignant ending. Perfect for this blog hop Robyn. X
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That's a really beautiful poem Robyn. Dont want to sound conceited, but really think your work is getting better - growing, maturing, however you want to define it.
ReplyDeleteLovely and creative.
Beautiful poem, Robyn. And a wonderful reminder that many of us do need to count our blessings. We are truly fortunate to live the lives we lead.
ReplyDeleteThanks, lovely people.
ReplyDeleteAnthony, not conceited at all, though it's feeding my ego. Smiles.
xoRobyn
Hi Robyn .. what an amazing poem - just loved it. Such clever turn of words ... this Ubuntu bloghop is really bringing out some wonderful thoughts ...
ReplyDeleteA Mere Chance - how easily you could be me, or I could be you ...
Wonderful .. cheers Hilary
Thanks for sharing Mandela quote. He truly was a great man and wise man.
ReplyDeleteI love this poem. Beautifully written, and wonderful in spirit.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful poem! And I love that quote from Mandela. Words of wisdom!
ReplyDelete"the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others"
ReplyDeleteLooking at the current state of the world (or even some of the questionable places in Detroit), I'm surprised that we haven't regressed as a species...
Beautiful, Robyn! And oh so true.
ReplyDeleteLovely poem Robyn.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE IT! How easily I could be you... Wow. Brilliant. I think this is something we forget so often, how to see ourselves in another person's shoes.
ReplyDeletelove it :)
ReplyDeleteShort Poems
Great poem Robyn!
ReplyDelete"...our needs so few.." You hit it on the head with that line (and the whole poem).
This was really intriguing - quite inspiring, I think. It made me see many different scenes in my mind.
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented!! I loved your poem. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRobyn that was FLAWLESS.
ReplyDeleteSO eloquently, yet simply said. FOR ALL to understand.
Your fluidity is breathtaking.
I'm so impressed.
Lovely poem! There's a wonderful synergy about it.
ReplyDeleteThe Warrior Muse
I think this is a wonderful idea for a bloghop! Enjoyed the poem, so glad you shared.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog for Alex's interview. Have a great week!
Thank you, dear friends.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
Hugs, hugs hugs Robyn! You really are rawkyn! :D
ReplyDeleteJust read over at Michelle's that you are the winner of the Ubuntu Bloghop - so fantastically well-deserved!
:D Love,
Vidya
Hi Robyn .. so pleased Michelle chose your poem on Ubuntu .. it's just beautiful ..
ReplyDeleteMere Chance ... could so easily have happened ...
Congratulations - cheers Hilary
Aw, I'm deeply honored to win the bloghop. When I read Mandela's quote, I was inspired but in a way that was overwhelming. Who can say or do anything with the godliness of Nelson Mandela? Nobody.
ReplyDeleteMy poetry is based on a grain of a thought I'd been having for a while. I thank Michelle for inspiring it to spill over onto the page.
xoRobyn
Hi, Robyn. Congrats on your win for this. I'm late to the party, but yes, your poem expresses what the blog concept was about. Well done.
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