Up Jacaranda Poem by Kingsley Egbukole

Standing majestically round the academic citadel
A rare genus of forty nine species
The family of Bignoniaceae and now UPs
Native of Latin America and the Caribbean now South African
Towering high into the sky
Beautiful branches all around extending
Purple flower adding beauty to perfection
Is the Jacaranda of UP

Exotic breed in nature
Inhabiting a campus many have trod
Seen many graduate and professors made
Still at peace stand unperturbed
Waving gaily at all that comes around

Fundamental landmark of the ancient
Defining my alma mater of special love
There a piece of heart I left with thanks
Hope to come again some day
My UP of Jacaranda beauty

The regality of a queen bestowed
The wisdom and foresight of Prof Theo Bothma
The intelligence of Prof Archie Dick
The discipline of Dr Cecilia Penzhorn
The mother love of Prof Marlene Holmner
Embodied in the rare beauty of the Jacaranda

When the rare intelligence I exploit
I remember my UP with appreciation and love
I remember my mentors with thanks
I remember the UP Jacaranda of beauty
And I long to be back again.

(Sunday 26th January,2020, ^.30am)