There was a star
In the sky
It hid below
In the cloud
When it could not bear
To watch,
The tear below
Of what it thought-
Was the end
Of the journey of the sun
After it went down
Until the morning dawned
And a meaning was born
Of the trials we learnt
In childhood
Of how our people
Long denied adulthood
Attained nationhood-
Amidst the odds
And the star-
No longer fearful
Yet forever fortified
Looked up and about
And rejoiced.
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.