UPENDO NI NINI? - By Doreen Cyprian

Written By: Doreen Cyprian

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Doreen Cyprian presents a thought-provoking piece, "UPENDO NI NINI?", as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. In this deeply reflective poem, Cyprian delves into the complexities of love, questioning its true nature and the multifaceted ways it is perceived and expressed. With her adept use of language and powerful imagery, she challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of love and its manifestations within human relationships.

About the Work

"UPENDO NI NINI?" is a striking exploration of love's authenticity versus its facades. Through vivid and sometimes stark imagery, Doreen Cyprian critiques superficial gestures mistaken for love, highlighting the deceptive nature of such acts. The poem's tone is contemplative, urging introspection and a call to genuine connections. Her use of Swahili adds depth and cultural resonance, reinforcing the universal quest for understanding love's true meaning.

UPENDO NI NINI?

Original Submission by Doreen Cyprian

UPENDO NI NINI ?

Hivi tafsiri ya upendo ni nini?

Labda mimi sijui maana kamili,

Au nina kosea mimi kufikiri.

Eti upendo ni kumfanya mtu mfugwa,

Umwekea kando vitu vyake vipite kwako

ndio umpe,

eti upendo ni kumkaribisha mtu chakula,

ulichokula na kilichobaki unataka utupe,

eti upendo ni kumpamba mtu kwa maneno

ya asali,

Kumbe ni maneno ya shombo yaliyojaa shubiri,

Sawa unaigiza lakini kuna kipindi utafanya kwa wako uhalisi,

Uhalisi haujifichi hata uupake rangi mbichi,

Utasahau kuwa mbele uliweka kamera ya kukupamba,

Kuwa wewe ni kipepeo kumbe ni mjusi,

Utasahau ulidanganya kuwa wewe ni muelewa kumbe mnafiki.

Eti upendo ni kujifanya unamsaidia mtu kutoka shomoni ,

Wakati ngazi ipo hapo pembeni kwako,

Na kuishusha unaona hutafikia lako lengo,

Maana unataka alie kwa sauti kali ubaki tu hapo,

Unazugazuga ili akuone unajitahidi kumbe hamna kitu ni ulaghai,

Na abaki hapo hapo sauti yake isisikike wasije watu kutoka mbali wakaja kumpa afadhali.

Watu wanachanganya sana kuhusu upendo,

Leo mimi naombeni maana kamili ,

Yani niteseke huku yeye afurahi rohoni lakini nje ajidai kama yamemkuta yeye,

Tusiuvike upendo vazi baya watu waache kulijaribu,

Wakihisi huo ndio ubaya kumbe ni watu wabaya wanafanya mabaya,

Na kuufanya upendo ukose hata haya.

Kwa nje uonekane unanisaidia,

Unanifuta yangu machozi,

Nikilia na wewe unalia,

Tuwe kama mapacha wa nafsi,

Watu wapendezwe na yetu Maisha,

Kumbe ni picha la kihindi.

Nakuomba mkate unanipa jiwe,

Ulilolipaka icing sugar useme ni keki,

Meno yote yanitoke nime sisemi wala sicheki,

Ndio furaha yako najua useme ni upendo,

Huo ni upendo au ufundo.

Unipe majina ya kipekee,

Sijui Rich friend, beshiti,

Nijihisi wewe ndio wangu,

Nikupe uaminifu,

Kumbe nanoa kisu cha kunichinja wangu utu.

Naomba tusifananishe upendo na vitu vya kipuuzi,

Mje mkabebwe kama vile vikatuni vifupi,

Tuulize ni nini kimekukuta waseme,

Si alimuamini Rafiki kama ndugu,

Akambebea mumewe anayeshare nae ubini,

Hospitali zimejaa kuwa makini watakulaza chini.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating emerging voices in poetry and creative writing. It brings together writers from around the world to share their unique perspectives and artistic expressions. This competition fosters a vibrant community of wordsmiths, encouraging diversity in thought and creativity.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Doreen Cyprian for her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her evocative poem, "UPENDO NI NINI?". Her insightful exploration of love invites us all to reflect more deeply on our personal and collective experiences. We are grateful for her contribution and look forward to witnessing her continued impact in the literary world.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.