William H.A. Willbond MSM, CD

THE SMILING CHILDREN OF AFRICA

I went once more to Africa and again, into Kibera’s slum
To visit small aids orphans who were playing in the sun.
I walked in to a poor kid’s school, Aids Orphans they lived there.
The teachers did the best they could to feed them and to care.

Canadians knit the Izzy Dolls and wee Boomer Caps made of wool.
The children playing with the dolls think the caps are cool.
The school’s across from a garbage dump, where refuse it’s piled on high.
The stench of rotting human waste at first, it burns and stings the eye.

Living amidst such poverty with flies open sewers, feces and raw stink.
It is enough to really change one’s soul and it makes one stop and think.
The children they are smiling and hugging dollies made by folks like you.
They don’t have much but certainly you’ve helped their dreams come true.

So thank you all you knitters that put smiles upon each face;
You are helping ease the pain and suffering in that horrible place.
God bless you for the things you do and for the gifts you sent.
Your assistance and financial support are monies all well spent.

Author’s Note: Thank you from the children of Kibera and from our Feed the Hungry: Single Mom’s Project in Kajiado.