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Monday, July 18, 2016

Mere Chance: Ubuntu Poem

 
 "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.

Dear Sillies, 
Unlike with prose, I can't just sit at a keyboard and create poetry. It either strikes or doesn't, and it usually doesn't. In these broken times, though, I want to bring back an important message. I wrote Mere Chance in 2014 for Michelle Wallace's Ubuntu Bloghop. And Michelle just had a birthday. Happy Birthday week and year, Michelle! Keep shining, inspiring lady. 
PS I won the bloghop for this one. That meant a lot, especially because there were so many beautiful entries - as you can imagine. 

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
 and mine, 
a dance.
Mere chance contrasts 
each circumstance.

Your hurdles, vast
Your earnest, true

How easily
I could be you.

50 comments:

  1. I remember both!
    Powerful poem, Robyn.

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  2. I think you deserve another prize for this one, Robyn. Maybe you should by given the title 'Ubuntu' after your name.

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    1. Thank you, Alex and GB.
      GB, we'll keep that with a truly remarkable person - Nelson Mandela. But I appreciate the thought. =)

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  3. There's truth in this beauty. Powerfully moving, Robyn.

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  4. Thank you.
    The sooner we realise that we are (or bloody should be) a community the better.

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    1. Cranky and EC,
      I appreciate your words. EC, it makes so sense that people DON'T WANT TO realize this, right? I understand that most are selfish, but we (selfishly) need each other. Sigh.

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  5. Ubuntu is an amazing concept. If there's one thing I hope humanity can believe in, it's this.

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  6. Well there's my cry for the day. Thank you for such a powerful, inspiring poem.

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    1. Aw, it's an honor to make your tear ducts swell.
      Thank you, Deb.

      Lux, there's a world of beauty in the word.

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  7. I have never heard of Ubuntu but what an excellent concept. Congrats on winning and you deserve it! This poem is beautiful! It trills off ones lips like a melody and I am so glad you shared it with us today. Happy Birthday to Michelle

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    1. I hadn't heard of it either, Birgit, not until Michelle did the bloghop. She's inspiring.

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  8. Powerful poem and you deserved to win!

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  9. perfect to re-post at this summer juncture. Excellent winning poem. Just reach out a hand, indeed. Applause, my friend!

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    1. The little acts are big, aren't they?

      Thank you, JoJo and Joanne - two of my favorite Js. =)

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  10. Such great and wise words flowed out indeed. If only people would realize this more at each feed.

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    1. We need ubuntu across the earth
      There is no limit to its worth.

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  11. Amazing, Robyn! Profound and beautiful.

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  12. Beautifully done!!

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  13. Wow, that was very moving, Robyn. I really enjoyed it. Hope you're having a good week.

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  14. A beautiful poem for a beautiful concept!

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  15. Beautiful poem, and incredibly profound. Very much deserving of the win. And of course, I love the idea of Ubuntu. How easy it is to fight and squabble and make everything about 'me me me!' when you can't put yourself in the shoes of someone who thinks differently than yourself.

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  16. Robyn, thank you for the birthday wishes.
    Your poem moved me to tears...again!
    Thank you for posting these powerful words on such a special day...Mandela's birthday!
    *Ubuntu Hugs*

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    1. OH MY GOSH!! I'd love to pretend that was intentional, Michelle. I'm getting goosebumps due to the coincidence. Woohoo! Must tweet it again, though, and maybe post to FB. Thanks for stopping by, being moved, and telling me it's Mandela's birthday!

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    2. PS Ubuntu Hugs! I'm reveling in the magic of that coincidence. =)

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    3. As I said, a magical serendipity!

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  17. If only more people stopped and realized that.

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  18. WOW Robyn!!! What a great poem! Definitely award worthy. I've never heard of Ubuntu but I like it. :)

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    1. It's beautiful, isn't it, Holli?
      Thank you for your kind comment.

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  19. This is wonderful, especially in these trying times. Thanks for sharing.

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  20. Beautiful poem. It does feel like the world has gone mad.

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  21. A lovely poem from an open, generous and compassionate mind. Congratulations on your well-deserved award,
    dear Robyn.

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    1. It does, Elizabeth. Thanks.

      Margaret, your kind words always lift me. Gratitude.

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  22. Love, love, LOVE the poem. It's so easy for people to forget the truth. We are all just people.

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    1. Yes, Crystal. We're all mortal, all going to die. Mere chance is really the only factor that distinguishes us. Thanks so much.

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  23. One unexpected mishap could change a life instantly for the worse (or an unexpected change could instantly make a life better). Best to look at and think of everyone as equals, because in reality, we are... This is a great poem, Robyn.

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  24. Damn, Robyn Alana Engel. You are quite the poet.

    Love,
    Janie

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  25. It's an honor to participate in humanity with you, Robyn.

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  26. Late to the party, but really glad I came. That is about the most lovely poem I have read in a long, long time. You are truly inspired. I may have to share that with your permission.

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    1. Of course, Jono. You don't need my persmission. I'm honored.

      Geo, you say the most beautiful things.

      Thank you both, dear friends.

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  27. Just loveable touched my heart

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  28. I remember this. :) It's such a wonderful poem. You're very talented!

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