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.