Tribute to You 
by Juliet Kushaba

My survival depends
on the honesty with which I tell of you,
on the honesty with which I dare to share
about your strength, your passion and love.

You were never one to mince words.
‘Every woman must learn to make choices’
You taught the girls and women you encountered
Along life’s path in this wide wild world;

You were a strong voice,
a loud voice that spoke;
Women are not donkeys,
not those bags in the gym,
not beggars.
They are equal BRAINS.

You gave of your selfless you
You flowered,
dropped a lot of seed.
Thank you.

There is a huge gap now
But your seeds shall take your path
they shall flower
and they shall cover it.
so you can rest in PEACE.

Juliet Kushaba is a feminist scholar living in Uganda. She works with Femrite - Uganda Women Writers Association and has published a number of short stories and poems. Juliet is part of the African Women’s Fund’s (AWDF) Community of African Women Writers. Click here to learn more.