As a child growing up in the Highlands culture
My dad had other thoughts; he wanted to have many wives
Big name, prestige, power and village leadership
Dominated his inner being
He neglected me and mum completely
Subsequently, mum and I took refuge in mum’s homeland
I was innocent but responsible

I grew up through the tender love, care and hard-work of my mother
Without dad’s presence
I missed out on important village customs, values, skills and knowledge
I grew up without the essential upbringing that an average child received
I was innocent but responsible

Through the vision and hard-work of my mother
I was enrolled at school to receive my first baptism of Western education
On the first day of school I went in rags
Half naked with only a sport-wear to cover my torso
A local hand woven stringed bag filled with kaukau (sweet potato)
Was hanging from one side of my shoulder to the upper part of my diaphragm
That was enough to cover my upper part as a shirt
I was innocent but responsible

For six consecutive years I have been walking to and fro the school
Under the scorching heat of the sun;
Sometimes even go without breakfast or lunch
Climbing steep mountains, high hills, deep gorges and crossing torrential rough rivers
Was part and parcel of my boyhood school life
I was innocent but responsible

I have a role to play
Whatever I do now will determine my accountability now and forever
My mum has done all that she can
I have to do my part
Anything I attempt now goes well with me all the way into the future
My dad didn’t care about my upbringing and my future
Yet I took the responsibility
I was innocent but responsible