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The Other Side of the Limpopo
The shape and currents that defines my direction and our segregation
Serene meanders that sets my limitations and our alienation
The hippos and crocodiles that swim in your wild waters in ambivalence
To protect me from illusions of grandeur and safeguard my prejudice
This aqueous wall separating our dreams and carrying them beyond reach
My children dejected, their future abandoned, dying to get rich
From enemies within, I once found refuge and a confidant northward
The distorted mirror I view now, I export the same friend without
From afar, tranquil and hiding millions in your ever widening banks
Seemingly wealthy, but poor in administration and overinflated flanks
In truth, you are polluted, corrupted and nauseating to be quiet frank
To drink is to vomit, and to navigate your waters, is to walk the plank
Limpopo, I can’t escape the feeling that you are flowing in a dug trench
Something man made, keeping us estranged on either side of the fence
Ironically, permanently imprisoned by self-doubt in this unchained country
Blind hatred, ignorance and fear keeping us from the gains of unity
Limpopo, I fear you will nourish the other side more for prosperity
For there are two dried-up mounts to your flow of consistency
Watching from this side the wasted opportunities you carry to the shores
Never having learnt how to, I can never swim across to walk in your shoes
Copyright ©
Thabang Ngoma
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