A Necklace for Zawadi

Gems made of memories, memories made of time

The most precious of gifts
I have to give is a necklace—
a necklace made of gems,
gems made of memories,
memories made of time
spent together in each other's gaze.

With each new day
we shape a new bead,
polish it brightly,
and fasten it to the thread.

Long and lavish,
it grows.

When you are without me,
adorn yourself
in the splendor of these jewels.

Look deeply into each gem,
and you will find me there—
adoring you,
our love in full bloom.

The most precious of gifts
I have to give is a necklace—
a necklace made of gems,
gems made of memories,
memories made of time
spent together in each other's gaze.

In every bead
exists a record of our lives.

If a gem fades in color,
so too a memory.

If a gem is lost,
so is a day once lived.

And if the necklace slips
from the neck
so too
fall years
into nothingness.

A poem by Pemba Umoja