Mazisi Kunene

I waited for the restlessness Of your hands Holding all harvest of love. At dawn You walked in the wide fields of men Who held you in their embrace. You returned to the waiting crowd Offering each one His full vessel.

The Spectacle of YouthI loved the children of the lionWhen their manes were beginning to grow,Simulating the ancient heroes.I knew the greatness of their futureWhen they leap on the tender necks of antelopesWhich prided themselves on their fleetness.I praised the skillfulness of their power,Knowing how soon they will be killing buffaloes.