I never hated you, Tata.
I just spread forgiveness
over these slices of my
Lonely life. Even when
You dirtied my mind
With big ideas and then
Scrubbed yourself clean
From my life;

Emptied this house with
Your absence and, then,
Filled up the streets with
Your laughter, I never
Hated you. Only spread
Forgiveness.

I never once asked you
For a hand you couldn’t give.
I just spread a smile over the
Cracks, tightened my grip on
Mama and Makhulu’s backs.

And never hated you.
When they sang your name
In a choir of insults I
Never said anything. I
Never stopped them and
Asked why they hate you
So much instead, I just
Never hated you.