A poem by my teahcer Vasamazulu Credo Mutwa, a Sangoma living in South Africa Options

[coyoteteacher]

This poem is about our current president



An actor walks upon the floodlit stage of lifewearing a mask of an angel beneath a demon’s gown.

Pretence smiles upon the crowded hall of life holding out hope as bright as it is false.

Son of a woman in whose veins flows the blood of ancient Ireland and dark Africa’s plains.

You are Obama, nick-named the standing king You are Barack, oh, son born to receive


The suffering hoards of Africa look up to you, See a black saviour where nought but a Judas strides.

An entrapper of nations, bringer of dismal war Behind the robes and the nylon wings of hope

Oh, may those who look upon you, see you as you are. May those who hope in you behold you as you be

A prince deceitful to bring down Africa’s shrines

A siren who leads Africa’s ships onto rocks of obliteration.

Your rule my lord will not be one of peace

Your reign my king will not be one of smiles

Even as we speak in caves both dark and dank Enraged fanatics plot your dark demise

They will put around your head a bloodwet martyr’s crown.

Oh black Kennedy following the one before May God forgive thee and thy fiery spouse

As you walk in silence from the stage of life Barack Obama, blessed son, Oh standing king.

Vusamazulu Mutwa