Published May 15th, 2024
Africa Poetry Magazine Contest #1 – First Place
by Nixon Mateulah
Don't remind me that my life was better
ensconced by the kanga
sitting on my mother's back
to and from the well
cold troubled water dripping down
her clay pot
soaking her dress
and my nappy
When she swung me
with a flick of her hand
round to her lap
her dark areola at last
buried in my mouth
hurrying me to my grave
At seven my dad pushed me
to a foreign dilapidated house of words
a teacher with a gun of chalk
pumped white lies into my head
dazed by replaying of lies
day in, day out
I forgot myself
About the Poet
Nixon Mateulah resides in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
Read the poet's biography on Nixon Mateulah's Artist Page.
This poem is also featured in Wax Poetry and Art Magazine #4,
published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Previously published in Africa Poetry Magazine:
Power Out
by Sarah Namondo
Africa Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
- Visit the main Wax Poetry and Art Submissions Page to see all opportunities.
- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
- This website and all contents ©Kirk Ramdath and specified artists.
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