Akwaaba

As I landed with no luggage, AKWAABA
As I came to the hotel greeted with hugs, AKWAABA
As I entered in the house with new members, AKWAABA
As I was named with my ancestors, AKWAABA
As I learned formal from informal, AKWAABA
As I heard the story, AKWAABA
As I touched the leaves and smelled the flowers, AKWAABA
As I sang, taught with joy, AkWAABA
As I was in engulfed in sorrow, AKWAABA
At Auntie Bobby’s and Auntie Mercy’s, I found two mothers, AKWAABA
As I danced with the waves amidst laughter and happiness, AKWAABA
As I sat with elders and was educated, AKWAABA
As I joked and played with friends, AKWAABA
Home is where you are welcomed, AKWAABA

I came home.
I came home.

I came home
To my kutumb*
To the tree that connects us all.

*Family in Gujarati

Hetal Amin
Upper Elementary Teacher
Grades 4-6
Montessori Community School
Durham, North Carolina