“Rose” by Gezani Abel Maluleke
Maluleke Gezani Abel is from Mavambe village around Limpopo province of South Africa with his wife and two children. He is a teacher by profession, working in the Mavambe Secure Care Centre juvenile prison. He has earned a Degree in Electrical Engineering, Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics Education.
Author Foreword:
The Rose showcases the unique beauty of South Africa, loved by its people. South Africa is privileged for its mineral resources which draw many to its shores. It is a peaceful country that embraced foreigners wholeheartedly. All foreigners are tended in loving care like locals. South Africa is a beautiful country; I encourage all to visit and experience it within their lifetime.
When I cast my eyes along the horizon
I see the sun peaking from the East,
as an eye envying the beautiful flower.
It sings of freedom and beauty,
drawing countries from abroad.
It is the beautiful flower
rooted in diamond and gold.
Shining like an evening star.
It falls rain of pearls from heaven;
gems scattered around its floor,
as heirlooms from our ancestors.
We are the pioneers of profound diversity;
beautiful lass among the many.
South Africa is our land;
she has wooed and seduced us
long before the white domination.
As a gorgeous girl;
whose tongue knows a dozen languages.
She mesmerizes foreigners;
her allure flows in blood of Black bodies.
She exhales the salty ocean breeze.
She instigates freedom from Robin Island.
Freedom managed to sneak in
through the back door
to destroy apartheid fever.
