Curiosity Poem by Thabani Khumalo

Where is the poet?
For there is an imperial conspiracy against him
That he may sing out like the wind into the wings of the void air;
That he may sing and receive no attention and have not people retaining
Any of his wise counsel.

I can see the powers dragging the curious for execution,
Even though the curious had not yet questioned
The poet in curiosity but, they had heard just his hid-seeking shout.
The poet had unscrambled a riddle and had given an old answer
To a new question only he had asked: a folly and a wise saying
He had separated.

Give heed to the poetic lamentation and listen to him when he says,
"Stick by me o ghost of grandmother, for without you o Manda
I fear the shadows of the night