Tashu Mwanangu,
Nikutakie nini
Ila wema.

Maisha mema.
Mahusiano mema,
Na marafiki zako,
Na ndugu zako,
Na jamii yako.

Januari 11 1986.
Nilijaa na furaha
Mtoto mchanga
Alipotoka
Analia, analia.
Nilifurahiiiiii…
Sana.

Mama’ko na mimi
Tunafarajika
Kwa mwenendo wako,
Msimamo wako,
Maadili yako,
Ukarimu wako.
Tashu Mwanangu,
Nakusihi:
Uishi maisha
Ya kujali.
Ya kujali uzuri
Na U-wema
Na Haki
Na Ubinadamu

Nakusihi Mwanangu:
Pinga ubeberu daima
Ulee utaifa.
Pinga unyayasaji popote pale,
Utetee ukombozi.
Pinga ubepari kote duniani,

Tujenge jamii
Huru.
Yenye Usawa,
Yenye Haki
Jamii bila matabaka
Bila umaskini
Bila ukatili
Bila ubaguzi
Bila unyonge
Bila unyonyaji.

Iliyo jaa furaha
Na hekima.

Kila la heri,
Mtoto wangu
Mpendwa.

~~~

Wishes for my loving child

Tashu^[1] my child,
What can I wish for you
But all that is good.

Good life.
Great relationships,
With your friends,
With your brothers,
With your society

January 11 1986.
I was overjoyed
When the infant
Burst forth
Crying, crying
I was so so happy…
Extremely so.

Your mother and I
Are comforted
By your conduct,
Your stance,
Your values,
Your kindness.
Tashu my child,
Always remember:
Live a life
Of care.
Care for beauty
And kindness
And justice
And humanity

Remember my child:
Always fight imperialism
Nurture nationhood.
Fight exploitation wherever,
Defend liberation.
Fight capitalism everywhere,

So we build a society
Free.
That is equal,
That is just.
A classless society
Without poverty
Without cruelty
Without discrimination
Without deprivation
Without exploitation.

Full of happiness
And wisdom.

All the best,
My child
My beloved.

January 11, 2005