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A MIRROR WITH MY IMAGE

 

A MIRROR WITH MY IMAGE 

 

A poem by Hector Kunene (South Africa)

 

I have made my bed peaceful despite the pieces of water that runs through my cheeks

A black man's shame mirrored in his presence 

 

I seek to be present that I may present myself present in the event that depends upon a 'Yes' from those supposedly to judge my performances 

 

The sleepless nights in lieu of my peaceful dreams

I have placed my art

In the hearts of ruthless judges that easily utter a 'No'

That taints the image in my mirror

 

I left my home in confidence this morning 

I returned from adjudicators judging myself unworthy of what is said to be calling my name

 

I was not good enough 

Depression uttered my name

I surrendered 

I failed 

A broken record played in my head

Hallucinating over what I could have done

I sat in a taxi

Masked well enough to deprive and deceive fellow travelers 

I was okay with not being okay

 

Did I pray amiss?

Has God forgotten how to spell my name?

This image that stands in my mirror disgraces me. It infiltrates to betray these thoughts I had about the image I dearly uphold 

 

All I seek sometimes seems to seek others but me

I am sick of seeking what seems to sicken me instead of seeking me

When you find my carcass 

Wrap it in a skin and return it to the dust and wipe the image in my mirror forever 

Amen!

 

Hector Kunene

Comments

  1. VINCENT29 March 2021 at 01:07

    Well written, and also satirical, fleeting and realistic

    ReplyDelete
  2. KATHY29 March 2021 at 01:11

    Note this fascinating, poetic line: 'I am sick of seeking what seems to sicken me instead of seeking me' ....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Henry OZOGULA29 March 2021 at 01:24

    Interesting combination of despair, humour and even pathos

    ReplyDelete
  4. Eric29 March 2021 at 01:57

    Mr. Kunene is a celebrated bard...he has also published fine books on poetry. Our readers are welcome to Google the great Hector Kunene

    ReplyDelete
  5. ROGER30 March 2021 at 01:01

    Mr Hector Kunene has written a book titled Through the Tunnel, a book of poems. He began to write poetry at the age of 16, he is a proven performer

    ReplyDelete
  6. Leke Giwa30 March 2021 at 01:25

    Mr Kunene is a very dynamic performing poet and literary activist. I read his book of poetry when I was in southern Africa. Just like him, his work bubbles and his enthusiasm and sense of humour often come out. He has also combined with lady poet Jah Rose to bring out other works of poetry.

    ReplyDelete
  7. TM THIBA30 March 2021 at 12:03

    Your poem King Kunene is touching me deeply because I got into your shoes while reading it.

    I have imagined you masked it safely and properly in the taxi after receiving unpleasant judgment and feel like the world is in your shoulder.

    That is me after reading it. And well written poem as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eric30 March 2021 at 13:19

      Thanks Uncle Thiba... Mr. THIBA is a celebrated SA poet himself

      Delete
  8. C. MADOLYN31 March 2021 at 00:56

    It is reassuring that at this crucial stage - covid 19 still very much disturbing the world - a lot of creative writing still goes on in Africa, east Africa, west Africa, and of course South Africa. This is very much a personal poem all or most can identify with.

    ReplyDelete
  9. MARK BURUJI31 March 2021 at 01:21

    Is this poem really about sadness of a sort? Words like 'depression' 'failure' seem to reinforce this impression. The 'adjudicators' seem to have put a dent in the poet's obviously buoyant nature... yet he still goes on to create poetry in the process!

    ReplyDelete
  10. RAPHAEL19 November 2021 at 06:55

    Mr Kunene has been an important African poet for many years, peripatethic too

    ReplyDelete

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