it was not in the city
that I grew into a man
it was here in these
gardens that
I spend each day of my life
these gardens you so much
wish to destroy
it was not in crammed storied buildings
that I got warmth and care
it was in this nice hut that
you do much look down on
it was not in filthy streets that
I learnt these noble skills
it was in these green fields that
you do much desire to possess
it was not in elite academies that
I acquired an education
it was in these dilapidated county schools that
you disapprovingly call shanties
it is here
just here then
that I will work diligently
to uplift and nurture
talents and make
many be like me.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem