By Opakrwoth Joel Wachibra
Unity becomes most important when people are surrounded by differences. We may come from different cultures, speak different languages and carry different identities. However, those differences do not have to divide us.
In Unity, Opakrwoth Joel Wachibra explores the power of people coming together. He presents unity through familiar images such as clasped hands, shared dreams, flowing streams and the roots of a tree. Each image shows how individual people can remain different while still belonging to something greater.
The poem also considers the divisions that exist in society. For example, race, inequality, fear and conflict can separate people. Yet the poet argues that compassion and cooperation can help communities overcome those barriers.
Ultimately, Unity calls on the present generation to choose peace over division. It encourages people to become ambassadors of hope, messengers of peace and vessels of love. Therefore, the poem presents unity not simply as an idea, but as something people must actively build together.
Solidarity that transcends solitude,
oneness that moves further than a singular effort,
togetherness that opens opportunities to multitudes
and bridges the gap of differences.
Speaks in silence in clasped hands
and shared dreams.
A bond cemented like bones with flesh,
with pulses curved into the bones of our bloodlines,
unity is made alive.
Diverse races with distinct languages
gather tight and speak in tongues,
animated by emotions
and empowered voices with elevated spirits.
Different traditions and names with identities
of our origins and backgrounds,
we are grounded to behold
the illumination of one bright flame
that we keep burning.
Threads in a vibrant cloth,
woven tight, each strand a broth,
like streams flowing into a sea,
together strong in harmony.
A band of colours forming a dazzling spectrum,
like glasses of different colours jointly projecting their shades,
unite to make the fullness of light.
That’s the unison of unity.
Diverse as leaves on a mighty tree,
united roots beneath
and on the surface of the ground,
holding us firm.
Hands that weave, hearts that beat,
with incessant pulses we find in our hearts.
A manifestation of communion,
that of a whole body joined,
held together by every supporting ligament that grows
and builds itself up in love
as each part plays its role.
That, that causes passion for compassion.
Empathy with hands held strong
with that of the Almighty.
We in this generation
move forward triumphantly.
Natural mystic blowing through the air,
with consciousness of people living together,
creates a sweet and compelling motive
bestowing unity.
Until a philosophy that holds one race superior over another,
inferior, is discredited and permanently abandoned,
that unity will reign.
When the colour of a man’s skin
is less significant than the colour of his eye.
Until basic human rights
are equally guaranteed to all
without regard to race.
World citizenship and international morality
will cease to be a fleeting illusion to be pursued,
but a reality attained.
All united for the good of humanity,
we have become inseparable.
With unity born in diversity,
vibrant haze bridges across divides.
With that, we in this generation
trod together through great tribulations,
marching through the roads of creation.
Unto thee, unite thyself
and love one another.
Until when we put our differences,
limits and inequities aside.
For these are what make us exquisite.
The world’s disparities
between the gifted light and the shadowed souls
have marred the spirit of togetherness.
Now the differences, the limits and inequities
lie apart,
like scattered leaves.
It is in these dire times
that we must seal the cracks of disunity
and build bridges of unity.
Times when fear roars,
chaos storms ahead
and discord lingers behind,
whispering in the shadows.
We ought to push forward,
hands interlaced,
hearts beating as one.
Bound by touch,
united in feeling.
Joined hearts prevail,
fractured hearts fail.
Let’s stay together
and be ambassadors of hope,
messengers of peace,
vessels of love
and, ultimately, the salt of the earth.
Then the pillars of unity
are made complete.
United we rise,
divided we fall.
— Opakrwoth Joel Wachibra
A Call for Unity
The message of Unity extends beyond poetry. Communities become stronger when people recognise their differences without allowing those differences to become walls.
Furthermore, unity requires participation. It grows when people listen to one another, show compassion and work towards shared goals. As a result, building a more peaceful society becomes a responsibility shared by everyone.
About the Author
Opakrwoth Joel Wachibra is a student at Kyambogo University pursuing a Diploma in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering. He is passionate about poetry as an art form for therapy. He believes poetry can express experiences, inexperience and emotions.
He also participated in the Dr. Ivan Edwards Awards under the theme of Unity. He currently lives in Mutungo, on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda.
