They Ran Out of Mud

There is a little hut 
built across from here; 
they’ve mudded two walls 
and the rest stands unmade 
for they ran out of mud. 
 
There is a deep gully 
running along the road; 
they have filled it halfway 
and the rest is still gaping 
for they ran out of mud. 
 
There is a pot by the alter 
that they began to mold; 
they finished the base 
but the neck remains undone 
for they ran out of mud. 
 
Mud! Mud! 
Who can find mud? 
Maybe if it were gold 
someone would. 

* 

Dr. Miriam Khamadi Were has made a name for herself as an educator, health worker, and author. She has published several fiction novels and an autobiography. She has left an indelible legacy in her fields of work, being the first laureate of the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize in 2006 for her health work.  

In March 2022, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in public health.