by Isaac Kakula

Who am I, who am I, who am I?
They call me a citizen and a conqueror.
They say I am affluent, intelligent,
Responsible, successful and a great writer.
But that’s not what I am.
So, who am I?

Who am I, who am I, who am I?
They say I am kind, loving,
Compassionate, and caring.
They call me a pastor
Because I am a Christian.
They say I am hardworking
Because I achieve wonders.
They say I’m a caretaker and leader
Because I’m of noble character.
Others say I’m a failure
Because I perform poorly academically.
But none of these truly define who I really am.
So, who am I?

Who am I, who am I, who am I?
They say I’m a Namibian.
Others say a Motswana.
But these do not satisfy my true self.
So, who am I?

Who am I, who am I, who am I?
They call me an African child,
An orphan, a refugee, an asylum seeker,
An outcast.
But their words do not reach my bone marrow
And that does not make me what they say I am.
So, then who am I?
Who am I…
Who am I…
Who am I…?