I Am Okavango

By Kewagamang Dakamo

I am the river that refused the ocean,
the wanderer who chose the desert’s ribs.
Others rush to the sea
but I paused,
to teach sand how to dream of water.

I am the mouth of elephants,
drinking me like scripture at dawn.
Their tusks shine with my lilies,
their thunder shakes my channels
while I wear their memory like jewellery.

I am the skin of leopards,
their silence stitched across my islands.
Every shadow that falls on me
is a prayer half-finished,
a secret only predators understand.

I am the echo of fish eagles,
my winds carry their alpha songs.
When they pierce my silver veins
with talons of fire,
the stars scatter inside me.

At dusk I set myself aflame
flamingos rise in pink smoke,
mokoros carve hymns on my body,
and the horizon bends low,
thirsty for my reflection.

I am Okavango,
cathedral of water in a desert’s chest.
I am miracle, defiance, prophecy and those who find me
must kneel,
because I am alive
I am the Okavango Delta!

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Kewagamang Dakamo is a dedicated nursing professional from Beetsha Village, North West
Botswana. She holds a Diploma in General Nursing and is a licensed practitioner with hands-on
experience in patient care, clinical procedures, and community health education. Beyond
healthcare, Kewagamang is passionate about cultural preservation and is an active member of the Voices of Our Ancestors storytelling club, where she documents stories, photography, and
narratives to safeguard culture and nature. Trained at the Nkashi Knowledge Center, she has
enhanced her skills in conservation storytelling, creative writing, and business development.
With a unique blend of healthcare expertise and cultural advocacy, Kewagamang is committed to improving community wellness while celebrating and preserving heritage.