I carry you,
You carry me.
Everywhere,
When I least expect you
present with me,
In exile, and
In every space
song and sign,
You carry me home,
Still the songs and spaces
I encounter wherever
Reminds me of exile.
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, friends and relations. Previously published poems, short stories and other narratives have appeared in the following publications, amongst others, Staff Rider, Rixaka, Mayibuye, and Mrabulo. The author has served in various roles in and outside SA; until recently he was a senior public servant.