“Buy experience, not things.”
Today, Zambia is celebrating 50 years of independence – 24th October 2014 and I can’t help singing to myself – her 1st President Kenneth Kaunda’s signature song: Tiyende Pamodzi : “Let’s go together in harmony.”
I’m still torn between my idyllic childhood in the center of Africa, Northern Rhodesia now Zambia and Perth, Western Australia where I’ve been ever since leaving ‘home’.
Mana Pools, Zambezi River.
They say, once you’ve crossed the mighty Zambezi River you’ll always return. I haven’t yet. I keep in ‘touch’ though, with many friends who have or who also miss ‘home’ and enjoy sharing wonderful memories.
2014 © Heather Chalcraft
Lowdown Magazine is written by Heather Chalcraft who takes amazing photos of Zambia now. This is the Flamboyant or Flame Tree, the sight of which takes me back to Kitwe and Lusaka as quickly as Jacarandas do.
In fact, my man and I reunited on the Great North Road website after 28 years and have been married for 10, so I owe Zambia a great debt for a wonderful childhood, fantastic memories and now, my happiness.
Tiyende Pamodzi…
Your 50 Zambian years means I am 50 years older.
I was at school when you became independent
but your Independence triggered my own at 14.
Not wanting to repeat a year I had just finished,
I refused and found myself a job, instead. My
idyllic childhood safe in Mother Africa’s arms
meant we learnt young to be strong, resilient
finding our own way through the jungle. Confident,
courageous and convinced of our immortality.
I blossomed in your sunshine and freedoms.
As pioneers we knew we could turn our hands
to whatever was required to get the job done.
And we did. During the struggles, shortages
were a given but ever resourceful we shared,
surviving together. The best lesson for life.
Frances Macaulay Forde © 2014
#FrancesMacaulayForde #Zambia50th #POEM:Tiyende Pamodzi #Africa #Zambia #NorthernRhodesia #Poems #Independence #Freedom
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