Dora gave the poetry challenge ” Use within your poem a familiar word(s) or phrase(s) from a language other than English, transliterated if using a non-Roman alphabet, which you feel expresses a distinctively peculiar thought or emotion.”
You can read other contributions here: https://dversepoets.com/2025/05/13/poetics-i-have-no-word-in-english-for/
I chose the word Ubantu.
Ubuntu is a term from the Nguni Bantu languages of Southern Africa, which encompasses a philosophy emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals within their communities and the broader world. The word “Ubuntu” is often translated as “I am because we are” or “humanity towards others”.
Ubantu
I am because you are
communal existence is vital
to our collective survival
I am interconnected
to my surroundings
and to all humanity
By showing kindness to others
I make the world more welcoming
My environmental choices
ensure a better future for us all
and gives a voice to the voiceless
through proactivity in political and social matters
I help resolve injustices peacefully
Helping others is important to me
whether through donations or time
it all helps make my society better
Most importantly
by thinking before I act
I am a positive contributor to this planet
South Africa is a melting pot of interesting and vivid cultures.
This is my video of traditional Zulu dancing on New Year’s Eve:
My reading of a traditional Zulu story:
In this video you can hear the undulating call of the women:
roberta-writes.com 
It’s a good way to live xx
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I agree, thank you, Jo
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A great poem. And thanks for reading the Zulu story. xo
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I’m delighted you enjoyed this, Darlene.
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Love your poem Robbie 🩵🩵🩵
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Thank you, Sadje
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You’re welcome
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Ubantu is a very interesting concept and the poem was an interesting and deligthful read. It was interesting to see the traditional Zulu dance and hear you reading the book.
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Hi Thomas, I’m pleased you enjoyed this post. Thank you.
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What a wonderful word.
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Thank you, Viv
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It’s a great concept. We’d have a wonderful world if everyone lived that way (unlike the Zulu story!).
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Yes, it is a great concept. Many concepts are wonderful in theory, but select people’s own agenda’s derail them.
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I like the Ubuntu philosophy, Robbie, and your excellent poem did justice to it.
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I’m glad you enjoyed this post, Dave
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A great poem for the prompt. It reminded me of the google operating system that can be used with google. https://ubuntu.com/download
I loved the story your read for us. I don’t think the subject would be politically correct in the US!! LOL
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Hi Dwight, this is an ancient myth, much like European fairy tales. I’m pleased you enjoyed this and thank you for the link
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You are welcome, Robbie.
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I like this word and your poem, Robbie 🙂
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Thank you, Denise 💗
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A word the world could use much more of. I am enjoying the story you read right now.
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The ulu story tellers don’t mess around! Thank you for sharing this story. I really enjoyed it.
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No, but neither did the European story tellers. Hansel and Gretel is scary
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Thank you, Violet. I enjoy the African myths and legends
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What a wonderful share, Robbie. Ubantu (Ubunto) is a wonderful philosophy to live by. It was wonderful hearing your voice read the poem, too!
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Hi Dale, I’m pleased you enjoyed this post.
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Very much so!
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I enjoyed the dancing and love the concept of Ubuntu. I wish more people lived this way.
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Hi Brad, a lot of people do live this way in Africa. People in the cities tend to get caught up in more Western and self serving lifestyles.
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Wonderful thoughts in your poetry, Robbie, and cool videos.
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Thank you, Timothy
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My pleasure, Robbie. 😊
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I loved the poem Robbie and your explanation of Bantu. I loved both videos especially the one of you reading the story 🤣🤣🤣
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Hi Willow, I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post.
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I always do they are so varied 💜
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Really interesting and a great poem.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Esther
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Beautiful concept and beautiful poetry.
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Thank you, Michael
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You’re most welcome, Robbie 😊🙏.
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I am honored to be connected!
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🤗🌼🧡
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What a beautiful poem! It encompasses a wonderful way to live where all are sustained. Thanks for sharing and the Zulu dancing as well. It’s mesmerizing!
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Hi Jan, the Zulu dancing was a terrific treat for New Year. The Ubantu philosophy is excellent.
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A word we could all take to heart Robbie. (K)
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Yes, unfortunately this is not followed by African leaders who are greedy, corrupt and self serving. Maybe leaderships have always been like they are now and that’s why we don’t progress with peace and unity.
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They do say power corrupts, and it’s hard not to believe it.
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There is a saying: ‘power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely’
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Wonderful poem, Robbie, and thank you for highlighting the Ubuntu philosophy.
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My pleasure, Edward
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Great post, poetry, reading and videos. I always especially love your poetry.
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Hi Donna, I am delighted you enjoyed this post. Thank you.
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Yes indeed! Excellent, Robbie.
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A wonderful, uplifting poem, Robbie, full of profound truth, the opening lines especially. Ubantu is a word for our time across all cultures, and we need to think and act more on it in these dark times.
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P.S. I enjoyed hearing you read “The Chief’s Daughter.” Glad too that it had a happy ending (for the heroine, anyway!)💖
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I enjoy sharing about our South African cultures. Thank you for listening.
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Hi Dora, I thought it was a good choice for this prompt because it is so positive. Thank you.
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It’s good to remember that other languages have special meanings and philosophies that don’t translate precisely.
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Yes, that is a good way to look at it.
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Your poem is truly wonderful, Robbie. It encompasses what is important. Sharing cultures is important.
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Hi Jennie, it is important to share about cultures. It aids understanding and acceptance. Thank you, I’m delighted you enjoyed this post.
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Well said, Robbie. I love sharing different cultures with children. They love it, too.
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Yes, children are very accepting.
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True, and we can learn a lot from them.
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What a fascinating post! Thank you for sharing.
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My pleasure, Dawn.
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