Chirikure Chirikure Poems

Just listen to yourselves talking -
The family is no more!
So, the family is no more, is it?
Tell me: what are you?
...

I am not stone, chicken or even wind, no!

There was something that bound me to my mother, in her womb,
For nine months, and I did not lack for food.
There is something that unites me with the human family on earth,
...

Those stories about
Children singing and dancing
To celebrate and welcome thunder and lightning
Racing each other in the downpour
...

At night before we sleep, we say, 'See you tomorrow',
There is no point in saying, 'Sleep well',
It is clear to all of us - babies, boys, old folk -
The slushy muddy earth is our bed, the biting wind our blanket
...

Inzwai!
We, in diaspora, overseas, fought this war,
We sourced donations and mobilised foreign support
Yet we never lagged behind in our studies, preparing for the future of our country
...

I heard the word from Macmillan of Britain
There is a new wind blowing in Africa
A wind of change sweeping across Africa
A wind the whole world is warned to take heed of
...

Kubasa, muswere wose inongova "Yes, yes".
Ndiwo mutauro wemuhofisi!

Kumba, mhuri yose inongova "Yes, yes",
Ndiwo mutauro wapinda mubereki nemwana.

Kubhawa, kwose kwose, ndiyoyo, "Yes, yes",
Ndiwo mutauro unodiwa pamadiscussions.

Kumisangano ikoko kwacho, ndiyoyo, "Yes, yes",
Ndirwo rurimi rwadzo politics.

Kana mumagudza, paruvato, ndizvozvo, "Yes, darling",
Ndirwo rurimi rusinganetsi kutaura zvinodikwa.

Hamenowo ikoko kwacho kudenga,
Pamwe inongova, "Yes, yes" - ChiShona kwete!
...

In the work place, the whole day, it's "yes, yes".
This is the official language of the office!

At home, the whole family goes "yes, yes".
That's the new language between parent and child.

In the beer-hall, everywhere you turn it's "yes, yes".
This is the best language for argument and discussion.

Those political rallies and gatherings, it is "yes, yes".
To understand politics best use this language.

In bed, just before going to sleep, again "yes, darling".
Wishes are more easily made and more quickly granted in this language.

Maybe - I don't know - maybe, up there, in Heaven,
It's also "yes, yes" everywhere, and chiShona?
Strictly forbidden!
...

Izororo ramagamba,
Kuremekedza vaya,
Vakaisa nyika mberi,
Upenyu hwavo kumashure.

Izororo ramagamba,
Mabhawa akati pa-a,
Zvikari, mabhotoro, zviri kuzeya,
Ronwiwa zvese nevana varo.

Izororo ramagamba,
Mvana nemachinda adzo,
Ibishi mumakwenzi, makoronga, nemumotikari,
Kupana njovhera murudo rwekunyepera.

Izororo ramagamba,
Vane mari nemasimba,
Vari kunzveyesana, nyama dzichigochwa,
Uku vachiruka mazano ekumora imwe mari.

Izororo ramagamba,
Nyika yose iri mujakwatira rorufaro,
Magamba ari kudyiwa nehonye,
Mhuri dzavo dziri mumisodzi.

Izororo ramagamba, nai?
...

It is Heroes Day holiday,
To commemorate those
Who put their country first
And thought nothing of themselves.

It is Heroes Day holiday,
Beer-halls are packed to bursting,
Beer mugs and bottles are dancing in hands
As carousers drink beyond drinking.

It is Heroes Day holiday,
Some have already paired off illicitly,
The bush is on fire - some in dongas, others in cars
As they exchange STDs in the false name of love.

It is Heroes Day holiday,
The rich and powerful
Dance their intrigue games round braais
As they weave new plans for the next plunder.

It is Heroes Day holiday,
The whole nation is awash with joy,
Somewhere, worms are feeding on the heroes,
The heroes' families are in deep mourning.

It is Heroes Day holiday, is it?
...