the stars shine down upon you

we have come a long way

of that we are sure of;

a long, arduous journey

in search of life’s meaning

other’s found it in the faces of people;

others, as painters, expressed it

on canvas

but you, you Ziza,

found it in statutes

within these you labored

to understand justice and

rule of law and

court process

we celebrate you today

look, the stars shine down upon you

to speak of your will

unrelenting, indefatigable

so, Ziza,

march on, forge on

like the cyclops, the titans

arm yourself with virtues,

be unique like you are

the journey has started

the world is smiling back,

wakili

Yours truly, at the event

Notes:

Dedicated to a friend, Aziza Rajab, as a gift on her admission to the Bar. I felt like to edit it and embellish it a bit but I finally chose to reproduce it the same way I hurriedly wrote it beside the road. This poem was recited during the celebration on 23^rd June 2012. I wish you well in your career. May it bring you fulfillment, calling upon you to serve humankind.