I don’t like to get too near to people
Because it pushes me far away from them;
When you get really close to the moon,
You see a gloomy rock, not a glowing gem.

Yet, courage!, wanderer, be bold of heart!
One who will find must seek everywhere,
Must brave the ugly to discover deep beauty
At the core of the things we love and fear.

Che Chidi Chukwumerije
Poems from the inner river