See that seemingly useless kobo
pick it up now to pamper
like a long sought-after baby
for a rock solid foundation
of enduring riches it would become
providing a fortress against attacks
of man and nature
because little is big
See that tiny grain of sand
look not down on it now
cos much of it would make
a heap from which
a shelter would emerge
because little is big
See that unassuming grain of maize
neglect it not now for
big cobs it would yield
when planted on fertile soil
and they would many mouths feed
because little is big
See that stranded chick
nurse it now cos it would
grow into a hen, that would
lay eggs, that would hatch
into a brood, that would become
hens and cockrels, that would put
meat on tables and cash in pockets
because little is big
See that miserable motherless puppy
in the middle of the road
save it now from untimely death
provide it care and nourishment
as a cherished spouse cos it
would become a sticking companion
in hardship when worldly companions
retreat and friendships fail
because little is big
See that struggling sapling
trample not on it now
nurture it cos grow it would
into a great tree that would
protect many from scorching sun
for great things of today
little things of yesterday were
and in little things of today
are a big tomorrow
because little is big.
(c) Chris Jibero.1992.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem