One Poem Took Me To The Queen

One Poem Took Me To The Queen

Sixty-five poems took us to the Queen: Feeling, The Poetry Anthology Celebrating Iconic Ugandan Women.

On 21 October, a mildly humid day with the occasional pleasant pedestrians and drivers, dressed in our gomesis and kanzus, we embarked on a historic journey to visit Mama Nnabegereka, Lady Sylvia Naginda Luswata.

Feeling, is a poetry anthology that celebrates iconic Ugandan women, published by the Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation. Launched on 31 July, Pan-African Women's Day, a celebratory event, which Mama Nnabagereka was unable to attend, we requested a later visit. That visit arrived and it surpassed our civilian expectations.

The week should begin on Tuesdays because that day was as historic as they come. 

Visiting the Queen with Poetry

Photo credit: The Office of The Nnabagereka

Bulange Mengo in Uganda is vast, meticulous and serene. The staff at the reception are calm and well-mannered. I even left my phone on one of the benches at the entrance and they kept it aside for me. That rarely happens. I felt at home in this royal place.

On entering the office of the Nnabagereka, it was easy to tell that we were in higher places. The efficiency, professionalism and composed collectedness of the Queen's staff as we breathed deeply before entering the sacred office.

Mama Nnabagereka is highly dignified, resplendent and poised. We knelt to greet her and then after exchanging pleasantries, I read her the poem in her honour. It's on Page 72 in case you have already bought the book and haven't read the poem. Hehehehe

A day extremely well spent. I am grateful to every person who has supported Babishai over the years. I am highly appreciative of those who supported us when we were the Beverley Nambozo Poetry Award.

Each of us has a poem that will take us to the Queen. Find that poem. Each of us has a poetic gift that will bring us to serve before royalty. Find that poetic gift. Each of us has people destined to help us find our very best. Don't settle for the wrong people. 

Gratitude. Blessings. Thank you.

Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva

The poem

Many people think that the crown is worn on the head

There are only a few who understand that it is worn on the heart

The gold and precious stones are not an ornament for the head

They are tailor-made and custom created

and fit to pulsate along a worthy conscience

........

The poem continues. 

To read the poem, buy a copy of the 'Feeling' poetry book, only at 50,000 UGX.

Contact Tina, +256 781 685596.