Zama Madinana is a South African poet, based in Johannesburg. His work has appeared in The Shallow Tales Review,,East Jasmine Review, Olney, Poetry Potion, Voices of Africa and other literary publications. Zama’s work focuses mainly on love, politics and social issues. In 2021, he placed third in the Sol Plaatje EU Poetry Award. His poetry chapbook, Water & Lights, was published in June 2021. He has performed his poetry in various countries including Botswana, Mozambique, and Lesotho.
ILLING ROAD
the air
wears
the assorted scents
of umuthi
battle with fruits
& vegetables
on the pavement
and a tavern
coughs out
drunks
with wet gullets
but dried pockets
isiphithiphithi
buses swallowing up
black men
& women
from various
mercenary
places
BLUES FOR AN ILLEGAL MINER
it is darkness
that knows the rhythm
of your fear
it is dust
that knows the landscape
of your skin
when you face
death
straight in the eye
it is the bowels
of the earth
that know your hunger
LULLABY FOR ANOKUHLE
sweet child of the moon
resurrect the flames
of hope with your mute song
when diagnosis
creates despair
paint me love
with your silence
in this city
that knows
no peace
where tattered
black youth
are forgotten
your voice is a melody
to drown out
sounds of gunshots
in night’s rain