I have seen fragments of eternity in the smile of an Afrikan face
Contented by the chance to be visible in a world that sees us
As monkeys that have just learnt to blend into the bigger picture.
I have learnt to laugh with a dagger in my spine so that the knife
Twisters will leave me alone just for another moment
So I can breathe and listen to my heartbeat when there
Isn’t a soul to share my burden with.
My own voice is soothing enough for now.
My mouth tastes like saw dust when I think of the people who have
Hurt me in the name of eternal love.
Feel my stomach as it turns each time I see you trample me with religion and pour
Hatred into my shoes so that when I walk I feel this squishy squishy
Foam rubber they call religion that seeks to keep me from feeling
Proud of my own strength and valour.
I have already been to hell.
My existence is sturdy and unbreakable.
It will never make you feel small or guilty.
It is there to remind you that Afrika is a place of spirit over the tangible.
It is there to remind you that you are because I am.
My existence is there to teach you that you can be anything you have taught
Yourself not to be.
We are the same person you and I.
Except, I am the one inside your mirror.
You keep gazing at me,
Hoping that I will be more palatable to your illusions of
Human perfection.
There is only one way to make me change.
And that is on your side of your mirror.
Frank Malaba © 2011
Beautifully crafted Frank. So emotive and tangible for its powerful message. Bless you for your courage to express authentically that we may grow by staring into your mirror.
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Clive… Thank you for believing in my work and potential.
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you just keep getting better and better.
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Thank You, Ross. I will never be satisfied.
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Great work Frank, very proud of you. Very insightful words that touch on so many dynamics of our existence as Africans and individuals regardless of our choices and state of being – whether heterosexual or not. Kudos from a fellow Founders High alumni…
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Thank you Patience. I hope you keep reading as I find that my work seems to become more and more relevant to the human condition in Africa and beyond.
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