Intimidation
Intimidation by definition
can only mean separation
pits one against the other
encourages retribution
Mama Africa she lived the struggle
evaded shadow men witnessed Apartheid crumble
They confront the white policemen
demand to know why the boy
is being detained his arm wrenched
behind his back an angled decoy
He is not from here
smirks the cop
though his hand loosens its grip
there's no intention to stop
dark ladies step forward with looks of indignation
Mama Africa heard Freedom's song
to reconstruct the System reconcile the wrong
They contradict the boy
lives down the street ignore
inference he's not South Africa
born their eyes underscore
resolve to cease this interrogation
Stoic they stand near the squad car
witness fear drain from the boy's face
he cautiously grasps who the victors are
in this awkward altercation
Mama Africa weeps for her children
a vanquished generation lonely African orphan
The police concede release the boy
who upright stands a head taller
than the others rubs his reddened wrist
flexes assaulted arm adjusts his collar
distancing himself from this humiliation
As the cruiser pulls away he
bows his head in humble respect
Ngiyabonga thank you voice of refugee
in his eyes deep satisfaction
Mama Africa allied to the land
marches forever forward steadfast her stand
