Barefooted Child Poem by Sookdeo Manansingh

I followed the footprints through the forest
Like a lion in search of it's prey
never for a moment to lose sight of my goal
to make it all through the way

I know in my heart that nature will not
mislead me to fall short my dream
to quench my thirst and clear my mind
I often dip myself in the stream

from the cottage where I left behind
it is not difficult for anyone to trail
every mark I shaped on the earth's floor
reminded me that time I will not fail

Listening to the sounds of the forest
gave me hope to lift my faith ahead
for my father taught me great wisdom
to look into my heart instead

the thorns that nailed me to the ground
only encouraged me to move along
to prove my mind be sharper than a sword
I took it upon myself to believe I'm strong

To walk amongst the beasts of the forests
motivated me to look for the light even more
for the shadows of fear kept following me
where I've never ventured before

from the dewdrops on the leaves
I dried the garment given to me at birth
to create a shield of perseverance
to protect myself upon this sacred earth

To honor my father for the breath
of life to put words in what I imagine to create
I have come to recognized that from
my little footprints I can shape the world on my slate