Hlathini my first love
My circle of friends
You have no beginnings
No middles or ends

There’s no place forever
For me there is man
But I wish I were part
Of the maker’s great plan

Ehlathini my stage
And my symphony sound
Where all that is good
That is left can abound

Just leave me to take off
This food for my mind
And wash away care
With the great outdoor wine

I’ll never be free as
The hawk on the wind
Or wise as old Leo
The wilderness king

I’ll never be strong as
The elements’ powers
Or frail as the delicate
Undergrowth flowers

Hlathini my lifeblood
My senses and sight
And unwritten laws
That will always be right

Just leave me to hide
By a lone waterhole
For the wild is a medicine man
In my soul

I’ll never be tall as
The hardwood raw hide
Or old as the mountains
That fuse with the sky

I’ll never be fair as
The world at sunrise
Or pure as the doe
With the innocent eyes

Hlathini my first love
My circle of friends
You have no beginnings
No middles or ends

There’s no place forever
For me there is man
But I wish I were part
Of the maker’s great plan