Poems

1. Ikamva Lam / My future: The author appears to be sitting in prison and writes about his messed up future. He regrets disobeying his parents. He commits that he will never hold a knife and do crime.

2. Camagwini! / Praise and Thanksgiving: In this poem the author recites his family clan names encourages unity and gives thanks to God.

3. Ukulunga Kwam / My goodness and sincerity: The author explains that his kindness does not mean he is feminine. He is good and kind which makes him appear like a victim or coward. But he prefers to be humble for the sake of peace.

4. Indoda ayikhali / A man doesn’t cry: The author seems to have been victimised by a prison mate. He is encouraging himself not to cry. He also motivates men that they should unite and have a gentlemen talk without the use of weapons.

5. Ubom bunzima / Life is difficult: This poem is about how the author was left in a mess while trying to help his prison mates. How they turned back and laughed at him. The lesson is ‘Never trust a person.’

6. Intilongo ayiyo ndawo / Prison is not a good place: I love one stanza in this poem: The author says ‘In the olden days’ prison was not as popular and full as it is today. Homes are empty, parents are crying and the devil is proud.’ He tells how tough life is in prison.

7. Yintsholongwane engungcathayi / An infectious disease: I believe he wrote this poem to warn his readers about HIV and Aids at that there is no cure. As a result he advises that we must united and fight the infection that takes breadwinners and leave children orphaned.

8. Uxolelwaniso Peace and forgiveness: The author is asking for forgiveness from the woman he assaulted. He tells that it was his very first crime and he will never do it again.

9. Ndiyakuthanda Ntokazi / I love you my lady: The poet expresses his love for a woman. He says he spends sleepless nights and he is prepared to cross rivers to get to her.

10. UThixo nguBawo / God is our Father: He speaks of the unconditional love of God. He says prayer is the easiest way of talking to Him.

11. Amampunge / Vanity: The poet expresses his worthlessness, that the whole village is talking about his bad behaviour. He pleads for the gossip to stop and he be given a second chance.

12. Amaqhawe / Heroes: He states that the youth of today is perish and he wants to know where are the men heroes to advise them. Why is it only women who gives wisdom, where are the men to stop the destruction of the youth.

13. Ntombi yam / My girlfriend: He wrote this poem thinking of his girlfriend while in prison. How he was ready to marry her no matter how impoverished he was but then he ended up behind bars. And promises to see her again.

14. Ukufa kwakutheni? / Death: The poem is about death, that it chooses no colour or status. That we cannot run away from it, that it leaves wounds in the hearts of those who remain. He asks for God’s mercies.

15. Kwanele mawethu / Enough is enough: The poet pleads with that it’s enough with the social ills. That men who commit such crimes should think that they are planting a seed for the next generation. That’s enough with women abuse, men should reclaim their dignity.

16. Ukuhlupheka / Poverty: This poem is about the challenges that come with poverty. That although people are encouraged to start businesses some are still lazy. While those who have are getting impatient to give handouts.

17. Kwenzeke ntoni? / What happened?: The poet is talking about the social ills and asks if God’s judgement is upon us.

18. Ubongozi bemali / The dangers of money: The poet asks where did money come from. He says people have turned into enemies some immediately become arrogant as soon as they have money. That sometimes it destroys love and families.

19. Amanina / Women: He expresses the wisdom, maternal instincts and mediator that God bestowed in a woman. He sings praises to women. He says you touch a woman; you touch a rock.

20. Umama ndiyamdinga I need my mother: The author misses his late mother and regrets why he never took her advice. He wishes they can have a second chance but hopes to see her again on the other side.

21. Ubumnandi bulikhala / Good times ends in tears: He speaks of the fun he had as a young energetic boy. How notorious he was around his neighbourhood. He wrote this in a prison cell looking back at how his parents warned him.

22. Umhlobo wenene / Best friend: The author appreciates the support from his best friend. He wishes that their friendship is passed over even to their children. He pleads with the best friend that they should never stop advising each other.

23. Ukubhantita / Serving time: The author speaks of the terrible life in prison. However, he says it is a very good lesson. He says he took the lessons with him and is ready to face life with those lessons.

24. Ndiyindoda / I am a man: He advices other men that they should plant a seed of dignity for their offspring. So that even when they are gone their children can still carry a good legacy.

25. Imvelaphi yam / My background: The poet tells of his childhood background. How happy he was as a child growing up in Free State. Until he started getting naughty and ended up in prison. He tells how his deeds would haunt him at night. And advises that being a thug doesn’t pay.

26. Andikholelwa I don’t believe it: The author states that he can’t believe he ended up in prison. However, he says he wants to be a good example to the youth of today. And share the lessons he learned behind bars.

27. Ungalahl’ithemba / Don’t lose hope: He was encouraging himself not to lose hope. He also advises the audience that if hopelessness overwhelms them, they should praise God to regain strength.