a beautiful phenomenon
it allows you space to listen to other voices
visit concerns other than yours
clear your mind
so when I am quiet
absorbing your thoughts
amazed by your appreciation
held captive by silence
looking at you
trying to see your perspective
I am listening to you
Copyright © knox mahlaba 2015
Author – Back From The Dead: The Rising of an African Spirit
Love II
Love is majestic
Mightier than the bullet
It is love
Love for her people
Love for herself
Making Rosa realise she tired
Love is stronger than hate
Turning songs sung in captivity into Negro Spirituals
Songs sung with hope
Love is the soul of a people
Making Martin turn the other cheek
Love for his people
Inspired Garvey to build a fleet
Love dresses dreams
Produces U.N. I. T. Y
Forges brotherhood like a Black Panther
Gives five on the black hand side
Makes the hood into Hollywood
Turning kids into stars
Planting a seed of hope on a plantation
A glimmer of hope in private prison
Love is considerate
Wearing a condom in dangerous times
Standing by his woman
Uplifting her man
Raising their child
Love for his people
Taking Malcolm to Africa
Love is colour blind
Doesn’t differentiate between red and blue
Love is black ‘n beautiful
Listening to Kathleen break it down
Love is a sister in an Afro
Affirming her looks
The looks of her people
Love reads the situation
In short supply of late
Too many brothers on their backs
Too many sisters on the street corner
Families torn apart
Kings and queens on opposing poles
Love is a secret ingredient
Love never fails
Stands its ground
By any means necessary
Love is the love of people
Bringing families together
Love conquers all
Love is the new black
Copyright © knox mahlaba 2015
Author – Back From The Dead: The Rising of an African Spirit
Am sorry dear
Too occupied by worldly matters
Foregoing heavenly duties
Too busy being prim and proper
Yet I desire you all the same
In exactly the same measure as before this lull
To the same degree
Thoughts of us forever linger in my mind
My hands yearn
To feel you fill my arms
Come together like nature requires
Make love like love warrants
Haven’t made love to you like I should
As often as you demand
To my satisfaction
Haven’t spilled sordid ink
Just the way you like it
Haven’t made love to you in a while
Want you in a nature situation
My love
Haven’t parted your limbs
Kissed you
You know where
Copyright © knox mahlaba 2015
Author – Back From The Dead: The Rising of an African Spirit
Looking back against my will
Peeking over my shoulder
Afraid long ago may return
I can hear my midnight train to Georgia moment
When I had to let go of an unwanted present
A forgotten past today
My fingers retracing my steps
The chalk lines of my downfall
Where I was supposed to be no more
My tongue tasting Lot’s weakness
Wiping the sweat off my forehead
Looking forwards to tomorrow
Yesterday gone
Keeping yesterday at bay
Surviving despite the hopes of my past
The wishes of probability
Running like a bullet train
Going as far as I can
As fast as I can
Unproductive memories unnecessary
Chasing my dreams
My foundations strong like concrete
The past only a building block
Similar to a brick
A unit of structure
Never defining the building it shapes
Using the rails from my midnight train moment
To fashion a trend setting outlook
To give my building some architectural character
My eyes windows to a brighter day
Peeking over my shoulder
Never looking backwards
Reflecting for historical reasons
Looking towards my ancestors
Standing before greatness
Facing forwards
Slaying the past and her demons
Copyright © knox mahlaba 2015
Author – Back From The Dead: The Rising of an African Spirit
