It's Me Poem by Joseph Cimanuka

I am Joseph Cimanuka,
A son of hope and humble light,
Born where hills embrace the morning,
And rivers sing both day and night.

My father bears the name Cimanuka,
A man whose strength stands firm and tall;
My mother, Mapenzi, full of kindness,
Whose loving heart embraces all.

Second child within our household,
A family of fourteen souls,
Bound together by love and struggle,
Sharing dreams and common goals.

Eight brave brothers walk beside me:
Confiance, Claude, and Jonas too,
Patient, Daniel, Benjamin,
Obed and Ampire faithful and true.

Three dear sisters brighten our pathway:
Mwama, Promesse, Rehema's grace;
Together we stand like trees in forests,
Rooted deeply in one place.

In Luwindja I first saw daylight,
South Kivu, Congo's precious land,
On January seventh, two thousand two,
Life was placed within my hand.

Kabobi taught my first beginnings,
Where childhood learned to read and grow;
Then Bukavu opened wider doors,
And brighter dreams began to glow.

At Camp Panzi I finished primary,
With courage burning in my chest;
L'Amitié shaped my early journey,
While Ibanda helped me do my best.

Now at ISP Bukavu studying,
English and African Culture's flame,
A sophomore chasing wisdom daily,
Working hard to build a name.

I teach English to younger learners,
Planting seeds of future light;
At Freedom Foundation in Panzi,
I guide young minds toward what is right.

I love the songs hidden in books,
The poetry dancing in silent air,
The voice of radios in the evening,
And nature's beauty everywhere.

I love long roads and distant travels,
Walking slowly beneath the sky,
Watching trees and listening deeply
To the earth as seasons pass by.

I dislike lies that poison friendship,
And idle talks that waste the day;
For truth and purpose are my compass,
Guiding every step and way.

One day I shall become a poet,
Whose words will cross both sea and land;
A teacher shaping generations,
A businessman with steady hand.

And maybe in my nation's future,
When Congo calls for honest men,
I shall rise to serve my people,
With wisdom, courage, and my pen.

For I am Joseph Cimanuka,
A dreamer walking toward the sun;
Though the journey may be endless,
My story has only begun.