Birth

Summary

The web content is a reflection on the interconnectedness of humanity, encapsulated in the Ubuntu philosophy, "I am because you are," through a poetic exploration of birth, unity, and the shared human experience.

Abstract

The "POETRY UBUNTU SERIES" on the website delves into the essence of the African concept of Ubuntu, which translates to "I am because you are." This piece, titled "Birth," is the third installment in the series, penned by James G Brennan in 2021. It poetically narrates the journey of humankind from its African origins, emphasizing the collective nature of our existence, achievements, and survival. The poem speaks to the idea that our identity and existence are shaped by our relationships with others and the Earth, our shared mother. It challenges the notions of separation based on clans, colors, or borders, advocating that such divisions are artificial constructs serving hidden agendas. The text celebrates the unity and shared experiences that define humanity, from the basic acts of living and dying to the more complex acts of love and learning. It also announces the upcoming fourth and final piece in the series, titled "Expansion," and expresses gratitude to Suntonu Bhadra for providing a platform for these words.

Opinions

The author believes that the concept of Ubuntu is central to understanding our shared humanity and that it is a guiding principle for coexistence and mutual respect.
The poem suggests that human achievements and progress are the result of collective effort and unity, not individual endeavors.
It criticizes the imposition of artificial divisions such as race, nationality, and other social constructs, viewing them as tools for control and manipulation.
The text promotes the idea that our individual identities are inextricably linked to the community and the natural world.
The author emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our shared origins and experiences as a means to transcend superficial differences.
There is a clear appreciation for the opportunity to share these thoughts and poems with a wider audience, as evidenced by the expression of gratitude to Suntonu Bhadra.

Ubuntu: I am because you are

Photo: James. G. Brennan.

We started our journey together born in our African Eden without a story, the story became us what we achieved together as one growing together, loving together, learning together.

Together, that’s how we made it, this life this species, surviving, without each other we are no one; we all had a mother, mother is our earth. Ubuntu: I am because you are.

Travelling over lands across seas adapting to new circumstance living, fucking and dying together our experiences shaping us.

Giving new life through our seeds birthing generations of our species new ideas further development, advancing our race against many odds, or not.

To go back in time, to realise we are not separate clans, colours or borders, these do not define us, words spoken by those who would control us serving their hidden agendas hold no value.

We define us, you and I.

Ubuntu: I am because you are.

This is the third piece in the “Ubuntu” series in the spirit of, “I am because you are.” Here are the links for the last two pieces. Please feel free to explore the first (Ubuntu Mbira) & second (Across Oceans of Hope) of the series.

A new title will be put forward each week. Next week’s title (fourth and final) in the Ubuntu series will be “Expansion.”

Thank you as always, Suntonu Bhadra for giving my words a platform. 🙏 Thank you all for reading and your precious time. Always. J. 🙏✨

POETRY UBUNTU SERIES

Birth

Ubuntu: I am because you are

Ubuntu Mbira

I am because you are

Across Oceans of Hope

Ubuntu we are because we are