You came into this world
with your fists held high
swinging like you knew
you would have to finish
what your ancestors couldn’t
This mould you call yourself
boasts a shadow of what you were
before you started seeking salvation
Now scriptures make you yearn for a home
where you wouldn’t have to tally your wrist
counting all the times you’ve been let down
Now you have to climb
those voices that dug a hole
and invaded your home
Now you have to swallow
the danger that doesn’t want
to wash its hands, and say it’s enough
Get up and fight
He doesn’t like it
when you let the challenges
He throws at you
in the name of development, define you.
Collen Molahlehi is a South African published poet and short story writer whose work has been featured in a number of poetry anthologies, namely: Inscribed reveries, Shadow of the Soul, Letting in the light, and Mental Health. He is a two time, third placed winner, of both the themed 2021 and 2024 AVBOB mini-poetry competition.