Up Rooted Poem by David Ration Lekoba

Better it is to have never tasted
For I have tasted the sweet fountain waters
And by the rich river bank basked my barks in winter
Better it is to have never tasted
For I would identify with my emaciated state
Like an ember I am alone to face my demise
Lifted off from who I should be to who am I
I know neither my name nor culture
My roots dangle in suspense
While other trees tap from the fountains beneath.
Lifted off in promises that never came
And now thwarted is my embodiment.
I am up rooted, uncultured, and unnourished
Like an ember I am alone to face my demise
Better it is to have never tasted