A Poem by Shepherd Mandhlazi

I am angry
I have heartburn;
Bread, maputi; monotonous diet
I am angry
I am fearful
I look over my shoulder
I am Zimbabwean.
I am angry
I am confused
I'm counting the zeros.
Is it a billion  or a trillion.
I'm counting the zeros
I am confused;
What prize is the bread.
Is it three  million
Is  it five million,
But it was  one million yesterday
I am confused
I am Zimbabwean.
I am  confused.
What is my crime.
Is it loving my wife
And not being able to provide for her.
Is it waving at my friend,
Or not saluting the presidential motorcade.
I am confused.
I am Zimbabwean.
I am bitter, I am angry;
Where is my father.
Did he run away from us.
What did he mean when he said;
They will come for me,
the revolution eats its children.
I am angry, I am bitter.
I am Zimbabwean.
Where is milk and cereal for my daughter.
Where is bacon and eggs for my wife's breakfast.
Where is the money
for my night out with the boys.
I am angry, I am lost.
I am Zimbabwean.
Why do I sweep the streets in a foreign country,
my degrees in my  back pocket.
Why do I jump fences,
crossing into a better country.
Where is my manhood,
I can no longer feed my family.
I am not a man,
I am a Zimbabwean.
Why does he speak on  my behalf,
Lies!!
I do not hate the British
I  do not   hate the Americans
I don't care,
a Dube or Jones owning the land;
I want food on my table.
I am hungry.
I am angry.
I am confused.
I am bitter.
I am a Zimbabwean.