My country

South Africa. What to say?

From, Country of grief and grace

i)

(but if the old is not guilty
does not confess
then of course the new can also not be guilty
nor be held accountable
if it repeats the old

things may then continue as before
but in a different shade)

Antjie Krog, Down to my Last Skin, 2000

----------------------------------------------------

Hope (dried out)

there is no unity
in this family
the children are bejewelled
by wire
bedecked with petrol-reeking crowns
to light the way
for those who can't find the door

Me, 1985