Whatshot
Poem for Albertina
Poem for Albertina
PRAISE SONG TO OUR MOTHER
YOU! there Nomathuli
They thought your world was small
They thought you lived only for the sugarcane fields of Groutville
Now they discover
You brought sweetness to the cane
Now they discover
It is the universe you live in
YOU! there Nomathuli
They thought your name was small
Nomathuli of Groutville
Now they discover yours is the name by which we covered ourselves from the bullets, in Lesotho, in Zimbabwe and in Mozambique
Yours is the name by which we shield ourselves from pain and despair;
Your name is everywhere
YOU! there Nomathuli
They thought you were chained,
They were not on the Pendennis
As you sailed the great oceans of the world
Now they discover they were in prison
You were free!
YOU! there Nomathuli
She who took the name of the Great Chief
You have been worthy
Now they discover the Amazon in you
Live well Nomathuli
May your days be long
Your country cannot spare you
Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Great Britain and the United States of America
They call your name as they remember your healing presence
As they search in vain for you from amongst themselves
But YOU! there Nomathuli
Belong to us!