When I rise
The time has come again when I am realizing I only have hours left in the United States, when I am packing my bags to their full capacity, and am sitting her, wondering what this summer will bring. This time I know better what to take and what not to take, I’m more prepared for what to expect for this summer, and I’m excited for this new journey!
As I get ready to learn more about the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and to help in whatever way possible, I am reminded by a poem my class read on the first day of our HIV/AIDS in Africa class. The poem was written by a young man living with AIDS in South Africa, having an optimism to rise above the barriers and challenges of HIV, while embracing the reality of this infectious disease. He is able to openly talk about his status, and to be an encouragement to all that are living with HIV/AIDS. As we leave for Tanzania, this poem acts as a reminder of the difficulties and challenges many face living with HIV/AIDS, while demonstrating the urgency for prevention. As we go, I pray that SIC is able to encourage people to take these matters into their own hands, to decrease the stigma and myths associated with HIV, and to really love the people in Tanzania. With this said, here is the poem:
When I Rise
By Mthuthuzeli Isaac Skosana
Higher and higher I will
Higher above the sky I will
Above the sky
When I rise
The troubles shall remain
The pains shall be healed
When I rise
I shall fly above
Reaching for the sky I will
My wings I shall spread
Yah, I will rise
Behind I shall leave
All the symptoms
All the opportunistic infections
Shall remain
When I rise
I will conquer the infection
I will conquer the syndrome
I will conquer the stigma
I will conquer the discrimination
When I rise
I will take the podium
I will address the nation
I will defuse fear
When I rise
I will unite families
I will strengthen the weak
When I rise
I shall defeat HIV
I shall defeat AIDS
I shall defeat anger
When I rise
Yes when I rise I shall smile
Oh, when I rise
