By Ama Poetry

What lies behind the face of a child who arrives at school carrying invisible wounds? In “The Truth I Adore!”, Ugandan poet Ama Poetry explores domestic violence, childhood trauma and the silent suffering of children caught between their parents’ conflicts.

Through vivid imagery and a direct appeal to classmates, the poem challenges readers to look beyond appearances and recognise the painful realities some children endure before they even enter a classroom.

You call me “Jamingo.”

But do you know
The truth I adore?

Fueled by Kongo,
Father’s rageful hands
Dig bloody wounds
On Mother’s skin.

“Koni Aeye!”
She vows to leave,
But stays.

I, her only child,
Bear the weight
Of her hurting heart.

She slaps
And abuses me.

My agitated ileum
Laments the pieces of air.

My grimy nose
Feeds its desperate enzymes.

Classmates,
Can a “Jamingo”
Really walk through
All this pain
And still show up?

— Ama Poetry

About the Poet

Amaal Esther, who writes as Ama Poetry, is a Ugandan poet and student at Kyambogo University. She is an SDGs Ambassador and a My Green Action Champion at Kyambogo University.

Her poetry explores love, education, environmental conservation and other aspects of human experience.

“The Truth I Adore!” is among her works published by the Uganda Poetry Society in Fasihi Magazine.