By Tatenda Chinondidyachii Mashanda
Can you hear our chained souls ailing?
Can you hear the homeless wailing in the dilapidated streets?
Can you hear the cries of those languishing in poverty?
Can you hear the cries of those carrying the yoke of oppression?
Can you hear the cries of those starving to death?
Can you hear the cries of our daughters being sacrificed on the altar of patriarchy?
Of course not!
The unforgiving high walls blinds you from everything
There are barricades of arrogance around you
There are barricades of power around you
Those around you sing the song you always want to hear
Those around you are delusional and stuffed inconsiderate cotton in their ears too
Don’t you ever get tired of listening to an archaic melody?
Of course not!
You enjoy seeing us drown in the blood of our misery
You enjoy seeing us praise your name in squalor
Is that why you burden us with mental shackles?
Is that why you are crucifying our future on desolate Golgotha?
But why can’t you see the writing on the wall?
Why can’t you tame your wicked thoughts?
I have thorns in my bones
Do you have that too?
Of course not!
One day the rebel in me, the rebel in us will treat you like a stray dog
Just one day Mr Politician……or whatever you call yourself!!!
Tatenda Chinondidyachii Mashanda is a budding offensive realist and a writer sometimes.
He hails from Rushinga, Mashonaland Central Province.
