The Seed- Poem by Banseka Kayembe

Illustration by Javie Huxley.

The Seed

I am the seed of two continents 

a mingling of the Lobelia flower

and the Tiger Lily; 

a medley in bloom

My mother tongue is unfamiliar with

the sounds and syllables of my roots

But I hold both histories in my hands 

Should I be apologetic 

that my budding smile envelopes two worlds

that people want to make me choose between?

I’d rather cut off and bury the offshoots of ignorance and a painful growth

and let my existence blossom