My belly has been sore from birth
I swallowed pebbles whose value no one knew about
To get to them you needed a plan so clear
When you removed some of them from my belly your worth improved
Yet I feel taken advantage of
Misused, unappreciated, under-valued.
Show me some respect!!!

My tears run down my face creating a web of fissures deep and long
I only thank heavens for the shower I take in due season
If only I could drink of my tears like you do
I would derive benefit from my sorrows
Yet in all this pain and suffering your joy is made complete
Show me some respect!!!

You dug my body making holes with total disregard for my pain
You proceeded to throw organisms that grew and sucked all my energy
How I felt the pressure from the veins which ran through me
And the weight of what I had to carry for your benefit
Yet through your familiarity I carry no preciousness in your eyes
Show me some respect!!!

My tears wash me away and you are not bothered
The heavy winds blow me away in all directions and you have no compassion
Yet I account for the lavish houses you occupy
And all the fruit you pluck from the tentacles of my hair
When will I ever be thanked for my sacrifices? I wonder
Show me some respect!!!

I am tired of being trampled upon mercilessly
Everything in the air finds peace and stability when it steps and rests on my head
Through it all I look and wonder why you have turned into this villain
And lack gratitude in your attitude
Hear my cry and attend to my wishes
Show me some respect!!!

Without me you would be floating endlessly
Without my permission a lot of what you possess would not be with you
Surely I am not asking for too much
All I want is protection and preservation
So that you and I can have a long lasting existence
Show me some respect that I deserve!!!

Your lost relatives so dear to you at some point
The family decided to give them a decent burial
No one else was there to provide the much needed cover
As one that gives you respect, I was available
They lie still in my bosom, much to my unconditional love
Please, show me some respect!!!

What would you do without soil in your lives?
Would the planet be called earth without its many shades?
Would this world have the happiness and stability in its absence?
And yet mankind has not given away the one wish in its voice
“Show me respect for my existence. Soil is my name.”

Rabison Shumba (c) 2012