A Guide Through The Sand by Khumbulani Mleya

Photo by Resta Nyamwanza

In lie we follow paths taken by many

sometimes learning through experience

the directions they eventually take us

so as to lead as we have been led.

We proceed in different strides and at

different times depending on guidance

in every step amidst the many footprints

we follow at ease.

Not all who walk have a leading hand to

guide them through uncertain paths, to turn

them back again on the right way, or

cast a protective eye to ensure their security

in every step

And so our prints I hope remain to guide

them as they find their way through

experience and not guidance.

I Salute You by Mgcini Nyoni

Image - mymajicdc.com

All the single mothers

I salute you

You have gotten over

the one who did you wrong

broke your heart

and walked away from his responsibilities

And made you strong.

You have to deal with

diapers

gripe water

paracetamol

and supermarket tantrums

And on top of that

try to put food on the table

You have to deal

with the confusion of trying to figure

out if the smooth talking guy

you met the other day

is the real deal

And let’s all say a silent prayer

to those who treat you with respect

and refrain from the phrase

'damaged goods'

All the single mothers

I salute you.

You Are In My Thoughts by Mgcini Nyoni

Image - desicomments.com

As I sluggishly
go through the day
wading through
a heap of emotions
YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS
As I put
food into my mouth
the taste a distant sensation
YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS
As I look
into the reflection
of my being
looking at the possibility of us:
Glorious and wonderful
YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS
As it feels like
I’m falling
plummeting towards
the bottom of a bottomless pit
YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS

I Hold My Thoughts by Selliville

Image - blackboxoffice.tumblr.com

I hold my thoughts to myself,

What use will it be for me to say what I think?

When you close your ears 

That you don’t hear what I say.

No, no you don’t close them,

 But you pretend not to hear,

You pretend that all I say don’t make no sense!

So I hold my thoughts.

I hold my thoughts to myself,

But one day, one day I will break down,

Cry? No not cry, no! I have cried enough.

But I will break down and talk.

Talk of all that you put me through

Talk of all that I blinded myself to

Well there I don’t blame you, that was a choice I made.

But for now I hold my thoughts.

I hold my thoughts to myself,

 You have too much pride trapped inside you.

Change, change they say is inevitable

But to expect change from you;

Is like expecting the sun to rise from the west.

Am I now voicing them? You be the judge.

Still I hold my thoughts.