Matriarch Heart
A mother to many
A heart close to none
A fortress for fugitives
Thrust between exiles’ flight
and pangs of dawn’s advance
You endured undeterred-
The unsung asylum
Shielding the brood
From ever hovering hawks
Drooling at scent of prey.
Our abiding sentinel
Of the lingering smile
Still held sway,
In step with swallows’ migration.
Now you’ve bid your farewells
Without fanfare-
Resume your place
Among them
that bequeathed you to us.
Today, these shades
ain’t no more shadows stalking life
Nor silhouettes sneaking unseen over borders
But guardians- now home-on duty
Over restored sovereignty.
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.