Belly up or
Face down
in this sweltering asphalt lava
Between rock bottom
Of the gaping volcanic pit
And yawning dome above
None is without the other
If what’s up dare descend
Those already down
Can only rise
Amidst nagging silences
And whispering sirens
of sprouting avarice
A descent into the cesspit
and neglect
Of those in whose names
We rose to our present perch
Yet we prosper
On the back of blame
Of them that made us be,
Oblivious to the blinding spells
Endearing us to the cannibal shores.
Those down
Can only rise
No matter the mile yesterday
Nor the leap beyond,
tomorrow owes us all-
Not our past.
Certainly, the future
Of our children-
Now in our hands.
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.