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A mango tree and me

I am a girl. 
My sister and me. 
By 5 we were sent to work the fields. 
To fend for my family and me. 
By 7 I could cook, clean, wash and be 
Useful 
Working hard for my family and me
It didn't help one bit
I was a girl 
I was also an 
Untouchable

Untouchables 
Shunned 
Despised 
Amount to nothing 
Are nothing 
Or so they think
Me, I have a dream
A dream that I could read and write
Extending my new knowledge 
Touching the untouchables
That they may unearth from the ancient fields, who they really are 
The untouchables 
Soaring with eagles 
They are Untouchable 
Living with self worth and dignity
They are untouchable 

As I lay in the dirt of the field 
One after the other 
They took turns 
Tarnishing my purity
Stealing my sanctity 
Burning strongly and soundly 
In the peacefulness of my mind 
Me, I have a dream
And the dream is in me
I am untouchable 

The breeze blows quietly
Still as night 
Hundreds gather under the mango tree
Silently weeping 
Mourning
I had a dream

Finally my people take a stand
They shall not be moved 
Till justice is done 
They shall not move

Triumph!
My dream has manifested in the most ironic way
As our lifeless bodies in the wind they sway
The untouchables found their voice
Took a stand 
They were heard!
By nations 
Justice was served 

I am girl
My sister and I
14 and 15 we were
I had a dream 
That my people will be heard
Louder than:
       - Their social standing
       - The casting system
       - Their skin tone 
       - Their job title

Even in death
Hanged side by side 
On that majestic mango tree 
We are untouchable 

NJ Mkhize
 


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