By Akim Mbwemanga The greater the pain,The more pleasant the gainBlood stains my soul, from all the vices slain.Tears fall,as I stand aloof in the rainFears crawl and endorse self-blame.I clear my throat as a thought lights my dome aflame –Tame the beast inside, to prey again,and pray,As I my soul regain. Akim Mbwemanga is... Continue Reading →
By Akim Mbewamanga We will bleed sweat and cry blood As all that we've worked for is squeezed into tears Fears die, as we drown in beers Dry eyes stare steadily as we shake Awake, in a world of pain Wishing for freedom once again. Akim Mbwemanga is a dedicated student pursuing a career in... Continue Reading →
By Teedzani Thapelo Beneath a sun cast cold by ash and smoke,I tread these paths, where once laughter woke.These mountains, once our haven, stand unbowed,But echo with the silence of the shroud.The land, once lush, lies broken, scarred, and bare,A canvas painted with despair.The plague, a serpent, coils in sunlit air,A whisper of oblivion, a... Continue Reading →
By Teedzani Thapelo In the bone-shard savannah, Where shadows writhe like famished pythons, Sun a cruel tyrant on a scorched and sutured sky, A symphony of dust drums on corrugated ribs of earth, and vultures write obituaries in thermals bleached of mercy.Here, madness weaves spidery webs with windblown thorn and fear, its canvas the parched... Continue Reading →
By Kate Mangope The sunset lit up with a range of ethereal huesUniting the people belowThe poor, the rich, and the in-betweenAll engulfed by the magnificence of the views. The unity the sky holdsBrings together nations as oneAll created by GodAll under the same skiesAll flesh and bones. Kate Mangope is an emerging poet based... Continue Reading →
By Pearl Mokgatlhane As the first droplets hit,I find myself bolting towards the door on reflex.I halt as soon as I reach the stoep.Perfectly manicured lawns, and concrete slabs stretch out for miles on end. This isn’t my childhood… I am struck by memories.Rainy days met with glee.Just like today,Many moons back my siblings and... Continue Reading →
By Barolong Seboni The boss is my shepherdAnd he does not want nonsonso!I am his herdboy and backyard gardenerAnd car washer and gravediggerWhenever there is a funeral.He makes me lie all the timeAbout pastures greenWhen in fact no rain has been seenFor the past few weeks,Perhaps he needs more money for backyard gardening.He also teaches... Continue Reading →
By Fika Why do I feel so lostTrying to find my home but engulfed in frost?The relentless uncertainty overwhelming,Am I living in a simulation?Am I prey to emotional blackmail and manipulation?Why do I feel like a slaveTrying to stand but all I do is cave?The excruciating helplessness crippling… Maybe it’s all a nightmare.I desperately hold... Continue Reading →
By Gae Maduo “Here lies our beloved”It was meant to outlive usA legacy was cut shortBy one word on a white screen,Typed in red and ALL CAPSThen the sky knelt down.It became one with our pain. Tell me where dreams go,When they find out thatThey are brokenTell me where visions collapse and die.They are buried... Continue Reading →
By Kate Mangope You were my homeYour arms my safety net that I came home to each nightYour fingers that swept my tearsYour lips that whispered me reassurance and promises of your love My heart cracks more each day I don't get to call out to youMomIt cracks more as I have to figure things... Continue Reading →
Petlwana Journal of Creative Literature and the Arts 