I Am So Sorry! Poem by Tiyani Shadrack Manganya

My inner city! My inner city!
I was within you
When the colonizers rock up,
I saw them
When they make you give up.
I still remember,
They were nice and wise,
Innocent and decent,
Comforting and consorting,
I never thought…
I am so sorry…

I never thought
They came to steal or kill,
Deform or break the norm,
Poison or prison,
I never thought…
But now that I know,
I stand up and say, "NO,
This is my city! "
I am tired of people's pity.