Song for Nomzamo
(for the freedom fighter Nomzamo Winnie Madikizela-Mandela)
Not so long ago,
I saw them getting closer
Slowly encircling you with their magic dance
Joyously dancing and sneaking around the house.
Hear them calling in spirits
I can tell from their resonant voices
The family poets are the most prominent.
Ancestors sweep the ground clean
Nomzamo is home
She has entered the gates of the elders.
Sing epic songs beloved matriarchs
Hear our child calling
Swiftly enter the dance arena beloved patriarchs.
Their festival of laughter is alluring
Laughter even graces their feasting
Come along and enjoy the festival.
This song is for the ages
These are her ancestors’ majestic rhymes
See them kiss and lift her to the heavens.
They are burning incense for her
Cleansing and atonement rituals
Returning to where the navel is buried.
She is safe.
She is at peace.
Farewell freedom storm.
Farewell uhuru hurricane.
Let it thunder!
Let it devour them!
- By Sandile Ngidi; a a poet, literary translator, art critic and freelance writer currently studying towards a Masters in Creative Writing at Rhodes University
