Ugandan child, you’ve made me see
The obvious inequality
The pervasiveness of poverty
The horrible reality
Strength and vulnerability
Humbleness and humility
The blessing of true hospitality
Abundant faith amidst scarcity
A heart of true beauty
Ugandan child, you don’t know the lessons you taught me
How far my visit to your country has brought me
The urgent and burning conflict that’s caught me
from my comfy, wealthy, and privileged life.
Ugandan child, you have to know
You’ve planted a seed in me now that will grow
I’m moved by your smile, your touch,
your gentleness and grace
I’m changed by the love and kindness I saw on your face.
Ugandan child, there’s no hope for you or for me
If the human race can continue to let this be,
poverty repeating itself throughout history.
Ugandan child, may your suffering not be in vain
May we act, may we mobilize because we shared your pain
My beloved memories of you will help me explain,
What needs to, what must be done.
Claire T. McWilliams
For Ojambo Denis Patrick of Busia, Ochien Isaac of Juba, “Tina” of the
Karamojong and the thousands of smiling faces from one side of Uganda
to the other…
7-31-09
