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
Well written, and also satirical, fleeting and realistic
ReplyDeleteNote this fascinating, poetic line: 'I am sick of seeking what seems to sicken me instead of seeking me' ....
ReplyDeleteInteresting combination of despair, humour and even pathos
ReplyDeleteMr. Kunene is a celebrated bard...he has also published fine books on poetry. Our readers are welcome to Google the great Hector Kunene
ReplyDeleteMr 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
ReplyDeleteMr 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.
ReplyDeleteYour poem King Kunene is touching me deeply because I got into your shoes while reading it.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
Thanks Uncle Thiba... Mr. THIBA is a celebrated SA poet himself
DeleteIt 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.
ReplyDeleteIs 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!
ReplyDeleteMr Kunene has been an important African poet for many years, peripatethic too
ReplyDelete