21 already (on South Africa’s Freedom Day)
21 already
you are
getting there
rather quickly
(might it have been
far too soon)
was the enticement
of international sport
(rugby and cricket chiefly)
much too much to resist
21 already
were we readied
for the occasion
and the great beyond
What have you celebrated
have you always had cause
to celebrate and rejoice
(are you selective
in your remembrances)
21 already
(this coming of age)
does it seem times
are tougher now
in our rebuilding phase
(will we be reconstructing
forever and a day)
There are folks hankering
for a return to apartheid
corporal punishment
the death penalty and
keeping women and children
(and the other) in their place
(and quite nearby dogs howl
as a neighbouring child
gets a mother’s loud beating
and a shutting-up)
21 already
would you do it
all over again
(Photo Credit: http://constitutionallyspeaking.co.za)