Spell me freeedom

Lemn Sissay (b 1968)
Sissay was born in Billinge in the United Kingdom. He says, 'I am British, of course I'm British. But being British and black are two different things... the system here doesn't accept the Britishness of Blacks.' Two collections of his have been published: Perceptions of the Pen and Tender Fingers in a Clenched Fist. He is a regular performer of his work and has performed his poems in South Africa.

Spell me freedom
And make it simple
So when I eat
It shall not make me sick
Spell me freedom
And make the ingredients carefully
So when I drink
It does not make me choke
Spell me freedom
And whisper it quietly
So when we speak
It does not give me a headache

Spell me freedom
And bake it fresh
So when I'm thirsty
It shall not make me dry

Spell me freedom
And stir it quickly
So when I taste
It shall not burn my tongue
Spell me freedom
And tell the joke well
So that when I laugh
It shall not unveil into hopeless tears
Spell me freedom
and cradle each word
That when I use them
They shall not crack like spines

 

Siyanibonga.

Siyanibona. 

Simenani.