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

Comments

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