I saw him depart
Clothed in the evening sun
Western skies in a haze of dull red
He strode through the lamps
As they illuminate the passage to the eternals

I saw him emerge from the east
The horizon all orange
As he shouldered the sunrise
With scars of life's battles
Battles,whose fruits hang loosily along the way

I saw him bleed sweat
Tormented by the menacing October glare
Which heat, real men are hardened
To be the building pillars of society
In his search for a shade
He realised he is that shade
Under whom women,children an'
The elderly have protection

I watched him wade through swamps
Mosquitoes whizzying in his ears
His discomfort, freedom for the oppressed masses
I saw him on the summit of thin air
Training his lungs an' brain
To withstand lack an' appreciate scarcity
For to him, man is made from
The toughest of materials.
PHILLIP NINE MAFUNGA
27 JULY 2024