Tebello begot the child and stood near
Death for it--a boy she at once made man
Before he had known how to conquer fear
By himself, warrior of a lonely clan.

He followed certain roads the long way here,
Living among castes where the African
Spirit endures, the rush of angry tear
Turning mere soldier into veteran.

And as he went forth in dreams of his own,
Learning how to cope in quest of good
For together with life he was alone,

What prospects he received, at heaven's whim,
Became his with no hopes misunderstood,
All of the rhythm having entered him.

© April 2006 By Afromerica