Virtual Anthology of SA Poetry

Ike Mboneni Muila

Imabalane song

piki piki mabalane
sala sala gentleman
nda wana vhana
vha tshi khou tamba
vha
tshi
imbelela
tshinoni
vha tshiri thungununu
nemulambo
nemulambo kumedza . . ,
piki piki mabalane
sala sala gentleman
over billy bok
akaka billy bok
inch inch inch
as one as two
aga jeremia sies-tog
puma wena sala wena
piki piki mabalane
sala sala gentleman
hoor net dae blend
two skyf saggies
madakeni
stick in the mud
bova cathawane
sixteen . . ,

(A translation from Venda:

i found children playing
singing for the bird
singing river bird
singing river bird
river bird catch a nap . . ,)

© Ike Mboneni Muila


Ike Mboneni Muila is a writer & performer of poetry. He has been published in poetry magazines & anthologies. He writes in various SA languages including Isicamtho, the so-called Tsotsitaal. A member of the Botsotso Jesters (poetry performance group) &
the editorial board of Botsotso Magazine. He is involved in theatre-related work. He lives in Soweto.


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