Imbongi

The third in a series of six poems, this poem is set a year later than the second poem (see also part one for the background).

Treat the coming scene with seriousness and respect,
if it be unworthy of your dignity and respect, reject it.

The second in a series of six poems (see part one for the background) from the Xhosa poet Melikhaya Mbutuma, imbongi to the Thembu paramount chief Sabata Dalindyebo. This poem jumps forward twenty-one months.

This Gcanga headmanship is pervasive;
It has made men irresolute and confused.

This, the first in a series of six poems (see parts two, three, four, five and six for the rest) shows Anti-Apartheid protest at a very local level.

O Thembu, pardon me for a while;
I wish to fly over like a monkey to the Minister…