What If It Was You Poem by memory nkosi

what if it was you
hearing the sound of giggles inside your ears
as the wind carries the whispers of your misfortunes
as you passes by
what if it was you
climbing mountains you have no clue where they end
passing rivers with no knowledge of their depth
walking in the darkness with no hope of a better tomorrow
what if it was you
rolling in the dust
in the middle of the night
trying to release the pains inside your veins
walking slowly the path of poverty
crying aloud
asking for help
but no one seems to listen
what if it was you
sitting alone in the desert
trying to search deep in you
for the gleams of hope
for a better tomorrow
just tell me why should it matter
if i dont have the bling to go with the bliss
put yourself in my shoes
and witness my strength
the courage to push through the spitefullness and hatred of my community
i think it is then that you will see the power i poses in reality
i can't help but think how suicidal you will be
if it was you



written in Matsulu,2008