A Letter to Poverty | By: Ms. Maima Dukuly

Dear Poverty,

As I pen down these words, 

it's not lost on me 

that you have become an uninvited guest

in the lives of many

Your grip extends 

far beyond financial constraints

painfully taking from lives 

things you didn't bring

Your relentless presence 

leaves individuals battling 

with stress, anxiety

and a sense of hopelessness

The struggle to meet basic needs 

casts a dark shadow 

on the pursuit of happiness 

and contentment

It's disheartening to witness

how you hinder the ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures

as every day becomes a battle for survival 

rather than an exploration, one would likely treasure

Today, I saw a beautiful notebook 

I imagined all I could 

accomplish with it 

from writing with a pen that reeks of perfection

To using stickers for decoration

every single spot would have a cover

but the price 

was out of my purse

The more I reflect 

I realize it's not just about moaning your presence 

But taking a stand against 

the injustices you perpetuate

Let this be a call to action

a plea for change

it's time to collectively 

rewrite the narrative

To build a world where

 financial constraints 

don't rob individuals of 

their dreams and well-being

So I'm asking you kindly

to leave our lives

to go so far that even history

doesn’t remember who you are

I don't want to write you another letter

reminding you of all the lives you've hindered

desperately pleading, wishing that 

you'll finally give up

So goodbye

here’s my last letter

to you

as it is also the first.

Sincerely,

Maima