I don’t know the answer to those questions my friend,
No philosopher am I,
What I do know is my own name.
What is my name?
Sitawa, the third Namwalie

Shhh listen for the magic unleashed when I call it,
Catch the glimpse, of the dancer stirring,
Feel the sway of sinuous gyrating,
Hear drum beats from distant past evoking,
Joy!
When I call my name.

What’s in a name?
I ask you again?
Is it nothing but hubris or is hubris nothing?
Does dignity lie in a name?
Those questions are deep and concealing.
Me, I know my name.
What is my name?
Sitawa the Third Namwalie.

Watch my step now firming!
My shoulders are squaring,
My hips start rolling, to the rhythm of feet, dancing, from the distant mists of time,
I hear
Music,
When I call my name

What’s in a name?
Will you answer me at last?
Does belonging lie in a name or does the name belong?
Does freedom come with a name?
Lets ponder that question long and hard my friend
My name is me and I am my name
Call me my name!
Sitawa the Third Namwalie

I feel the struggle ceasing
The constant warring ebbing
Calm returning
Love
When I call my name!
What’s in a name?
Let’s look at this question afresh,
Is the name creation or is creation the name?
Does enchantment lie in a name?
I know the answer to that question my friend!
Listen close and I will tell you,
I am Sitawa the Third Namwalie!

My name is a silent secret unfurling
A well of wild effervescence foaming
 A drink to refresh
On a hot dusty morning
My name will quench your longing.

Click here for more poems by Betty Muragori (Sitawa Namwalie)