After The Fires, Give Us This Day-
In the orgasmic space
Frenzied infernos raging
Billowing smoke, flying mangled zinc
Glowing embers, charred walls
Wailing sirens and weeping women
Left homeless,
Now roaming amidst floating soot
A mother rakes the tangled debris
Of what was once her shack called home
Sobbing she sifts through ash
And scattered remains, a shoe here
A crumpled cutlery and torched cups
Between her and now
That’s all her remains
Her only hope-tomorrow
Makhanda Senzangakhona is the nome de guerre and pen name for Paul Oupa Serekele Ramachela. The author has retained the use of both names because he does not wish to be lost to his comrades nor become an alien to his family, and relations. Previously published poems, short stories and other narratives have appeared in the following publications, amongst others, Staff Rider, Rixaka, Mayibuye, Mrabulo and Black Letter Media-Poetrypotion.
The author has served in various roles in and outside SA; until recently he was a senior public servant.