I Leave And Still Climb Higher Poem by Linus Kithinji Njeru

My journey was jagged, my terrain was tough,
No golden start, no easy stuff.
From chalk-stained desks to midnight oil,
I learned to earn through sweat and toil.

No cousin's coin, no uncle's gate,
Just grit, ambition, driven fate.
I walked through fire, I fought the cold,
I chased my future — brave and bold.

I rose through school, then carved career,
I fell, I failed, but stayed sincere.
I built my name with bleeding hands,
While others watched — with silent plans.

The start was slow, the ground was steep,
The nights were long, the climb was deep.
No fortune came to lend me speed,
Just hunger, hope, and stubborn need.

The world, it whispers worth through gold,
It weighs your soul in things you hold.
It marks your honor by your pay—
And throws the rest of you away.

I gave my best to forge a place,
To stand with pride, to run the race.
But what I faced at kinfolk's gate—
Was not support, but scorn and hate.

They cursed my name when I gave all,
They saw my rise and prayed I'd fall.
No kind applause, no shoulder near,
Just guilt, demand, and cloaked veneer.

So I declare, with regal breath:
I won't stay near the things that death.
I'd rather dine with strangers kind,
Than bleed where blood has turned blind.

I'd rather build with foreign hands
Than beg where love still misunderstands.
Let distant friends enjoy my gain,
Than close ones curse my honest strain.

If family frowns while strangers cheer,
Why should I stay another year?
Why should I fight to feed a flame
That burns my joy and brands my name?

I rise, I leave, I reign anew,
I'll build again with wiser view.
I need no seat at toxic tables—
I ride with kings who know I'm able.

Let mother weep—I'll right the wrong,
But not where cruel voices belong.
My peace is precious, bought by pain,
And I won't trade that crown again.

So if they ask where I have gone—
Tell them I'm gone, but not withdrawn.
I found my place. I found my fire.
I rise, I leave, and still climb higher.