Do Not Forget Poem by Nkululeko Mdudu

As I walked through the valleys
of our history
I saw a green plain
turning black.
First in spots
and little dots
Then masses swept me up,
I could'nt turn back.

Thousands of strong Nguni cattle,
belonging to one man
He in turn was owned
by his riverside village
according to the law of the clan

'Molweni...'
resounded a cheerful greeting...
I waved my hand
and leaves blew off;
and there the kings were meeting

I was careful not to step
on this rich and fertile land
dogs were barking,
I could hear them
Praise poems jumped onto my hand

'Ungumntu? '
Shouted greatmother from inside
As I approached her hut
with my finger
she recognised me,
her eyes squinting wide

she said
'Tell the stories
of our past
(Joyful at work,
we forgot to write)
so our times forever last'

'Am I dreaming
or have I passed?
How did I get here,
and why? '
I asked...

Again barked the dog,
the rooster too,
made his call,
'Do Not forget',
she said
and that was all.

I fell out,
Of the book without words:
'Thsayi'
I saw place, patterns,
people living naturaly
And was shot through
with Hintsa's assegai

'Do Not forget
Do Not forget
Do Not forget! '
sreemed that annoying rooster

I awoke;
I bathed and dressed
in red, face white
I went to buy a book;
closed my eyes,
then started to write,

'Molweni...'