Birthday Wishes To a Beloved Abroad
May your day be clad in bright chitenge (colorful flowing garments)
and your ears filled with the music of falling waters!
Lwa mitonda , kaizeli! (We miss you, sister!)
See us run with arms outstretched
like the wings of an airplane
because, if we could, we would fly to you;
see our encircling, turning legs
like those of sprinting cyclists
because, if we could, we would pedal to you;
see us hop, in a sitting posture
like that of a crazy taxi driver
because, if we could, we would race to you.
But we would rather have you here with us
Africa ya kutonda, kaizeli! ( Africa misses you, sister!)
Ku tezi batu - we are waiting for you ( We watch the horizon)
Utwa, ba andamisa - come dance with us. (And the drums are beating)
While distance separates you from us
we talk about you, smile, and say:
Mutu yo munde ki ya na ni sikoka kwa batu; (she will make many friends)
and we want you to remember always:
Ku sebeleza Mulimu, ki makalelo a butali. (it is more blessed to give than to receive)
Be blessed, dear sister!
We wish you peace, we wish you joy
and above all, we wish you love.
Copyright © David De La Croes | Year Posted 2013
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