Sunset in Zwide
(To Govan “Oom Gov” Mbeki)

You suffered the pain of oppression
and big brother wanted your life
while a nation in chains needed it.

You unshackled your mind
and freed its broken battered body
by capturing history on toiletpaper.

You were sharp as the spear of the nation
whose silenced voices pierced the eyes
of the world.

Now you share the resting place of the forgotten
and remnants of your last day echoes all around
Thina Sizwe Esimnyama
Hamba kakuhle qabane.

© 2007 Selwyn Milborrow