the clothes poem written by Mongane wally serote
In the streets of Soweto where dreams intertwine,
Lies a tale of clothes that once defined,
The struggles and joys of a divided land,
Told through stitches, threads, and the weaver's hand.
Apartheid’s shadow cast its ominous veil,
As clothes became symbols of a heart-wrenching tale,
Apartheid’s shadow cast its ominous veil,
As clothes became symbols of a heart-wrenching tale,
The broken dreams and shattered hope,
Woven into fabric, able to cope,
Resistance and revolution, silently spoke,
In every seam, in every thread, the people's cloak.
Apartheid's oppressions sought to divide,
But the clothes became a canvas to confide,
The spirit of a nation fighting for its release,
Through vibrant colors and patterns that sowed peace.
The red of courage, strength in unity,
The blue of freedom, voices in harmony,
Yellow for the sun, shining hope so bright,
Green for the land, a symbol of our birthright.
From the torn and tattered clothes they wore,
A narrative of resilience and struggle bore,
Each stitch a protest, a battle cry,
A silent revolt, a shared sigh.
The clothes became a language, spoken in threads,
Telling stories of struggle, resistance, and dread,
Of mothers waiting, hearts filled with fear,
For sons and daughters whose futures were near.
But within this tapestry of pain and strife,
Hope emerged and breathed new life,
As clothes transformed into symbols of pride,
For a nation ready to break apartheid's stride.
Today, though apartheid has found its end,
The clothes remain, a testament to those who did lend,
Their voice to the battle, their hearts to the cause,
Their legacy embedded in every pause.
So, let us remember the clothes that spoke,
Of a time when freedom was our only hope,
And honor the courage of those who fought,
Through the clothes they wore, their battles were brought.