Fathima Dawood Poet Couplet

South Africa

My head beats incessantly of troubled past war
My land was full of blood covering each door
I remember the past when democracy was proclaimed
When leaders of my land assured peace would be named
They assured us how everyone would be equal
Why did they lie and go back to the way so vile
I am an African even though I am not black
When our country was in shambles I had your back
But now that we pledge democracy you deprive me my due
Now when I come to you for aid you say I'm not your hue!
Why when we were fighting for freedom I was on your right
For five generations South Africa my home has been my sight
Alas my heart lays heavy and unproud
I bow my head in shame and frown
Why do we have to go through this time again
Proclaim me once again my friend!

This poem was written because here in South Africa affirmative action is the new 
apartheid. I am Asian because of my hue, yet in South Africa I have lived. Is it right 
that I am ostracised because I am not Black? When our country was at war with 
apartheid, my grandparents fought side by side with Africans. Was not Mahatma 
Gandhi instrumental in fighting for South Africa's freedom?
I consider myself African! Loud and proud I am African. So why can my country 
accept me?

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Jannie Breedt May 21, 2019 at 12:04 PM Hi Fatima, My my ,how we were all fooled and deluded hoping for a positive change. This deplorable junk they call leadership is only money money money and greed. Thers blood on the streets and a different set of laws for them. The whole world was betrayed by the Mandela dream that lies shattered. Us poets must talk for those that were denied a voice. Being a white Afrikaner is even worse. Lets stand together. Your poem evokes deep feelings. Love J

Francisco Pepino March 28, 2016 at 6:23 AM Well written and I feel the same - Fran

Gbenga Onalaja November 28, 2008 at 8:37 AM The mere apartheid is enough to dampen the heart of a south African, here in Nigeria we study African literature that made reference to Negro struggles, Books like; Sizwe Bansi is Dead, Black Boy etc. This is an exact replica and i think its nice. Love Gbenga.

Ashanti Neely-Vigil October 9, 2008 at 12:12 AM SOME HOW BEFORE READING THIS MY SPIRIT DISCERNED THAT YOU WERE NOT BLACK....THANK YOU FOR ATTEMPTING TO CONVEY A PORTRAYAL OF THE OTHER SIDE OF AFRICA'S TURMOIL FROM A "FAIR EXPERIENCE". I AM HALF BLACK (IN AMERICA), & COMMEND YOU & YOUR GRANDPARENTS. HOWEVER, SIDE-BY-SIDE COULD NEVER FULLY RELATE TO "BLACK". PERIOD.