POEM

DIVIDE US NOT BY ANANIYA ALICK PONJE Divide us not vulture Though we are parrots, swallows, and crows We are known to be one Though our nests are attached to waterside reeds, In mango tree foliage and meadows We are all birds. Though we don’t have the same fluff We have more things that unite us as birds. After all we belong to the same forest, Then why should you be so bent at dividing us, vulture? As you extol the virtues of unanimity We would meekly ask of you To partition us not your lordship vulture. Though we are eagles, lapwings, and hawks We are all identified by one universal name That unites us each instance. Stare not at the trees where our nests lay For we can’t all have our nests in the same tree. Though we don’t flock together, We are united because we are all birds. After all, we are all under your auspices, great vulture Therefore, leave us the way we were. Don’t wreck us royal vulture Don’t let the floor beneath our feet disintegrate So that we get lost to the four winds Where we will be intolerably crushed But build us sovereign vulture The great ruler of the bird realm. Divide us not; unite us; love us and lead us That perpetually we may stand unified. Rule this great kingdom, king vulture With wisdom, sober-mindedness and insight. Though we are magpies, kites and ducks We are all one under your rule. Deem not the tone of our warbling voices For we are sure this is one factor that makes you want to segregate us But take pride, n-everlasting vulture In this variety that prances in your kingdom. As you rule, venerated vulture, Take to heart one thing Your splendor is just an ephemeral glance. Therefore divide us not.