Hai Nguyen

“You were born happy,
don’t die sad.
You were born full,
don’t die empty.
You were born rich,
don’t die poor.
You were born pure,
don’t die corrupt.
You were born innocent,
don’t die guilty.
You were born free,
don’t die shackled.

You were born curious,
don’t die indifferent.
You were born sensitive,
don’t die heartless.
You were born tolerant,
don’t die prejudiced.
You were born trusting,
don’t die cynical.
You were born caring,
don’t die spiteful.
You were born loving,
don’t die hateful.

You were born youthful,
don’t die worn-out.
You were born active,
don’t die idle.
You were born lively,
don’t die downcast.
You were born special,
don’t die normal.
You were born extraordinary,
don’t die common.
You were born you,
don’t die someone else.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo