I looked into his eyes and said jambo
He looked into my heart and took hold

I held his hand
He held my troubles
We walked along the road
I in my hiking boots
He in the soles of his barefoot feet

I knew two words
But he understood it all
He just took my hand and led me along
The dusty roads of Illerai

Each day after building the classroom
At the little school he attended
We’d fall into step as I said jambo
He’d reach for my hand like an old friend
Coming home

Strolling in silence
His tattered shirt flapping in the wind
My jeans caked with cement

I knew a world he couldn’t fathom
He knew a poverty beyond my belief
Yet I realized I was the poor one
And he rich in wisdom beyond years

Sixteen years and seven
Two continents apart
I gave him a hug
He gave me a truth

To know sometimes all we can do
Is hold the hand of a stranger confused
And sometimes that
Is more than enough