The Referendum

(on the need for political reform)
 
 

As the second of November draws near
And votes are sold to and fro
One notes the tactics of fear
Used in Rhodesia long ago.

"The situation is not the same",
We hear from every side,
"Rhodesians must take the blame
For being pressed to toe the line".

"Here we have no 'in-betweens',
We're all free to make the choice.
But, remember our friends unseen
Who call to us with a united voice".

"Our ambassadors in foreign courts
Have warned us, and they should know,
The fate which will befall our exports
Should we dare to vote 'NO'."

"These unseen friends, so they tell,
Will turn and side with our foes,
And the life here will really be Hell
AS they would increase their blows".

"The god of money would depart
Never again to us joy bringing.
We would seat with an empty heart
Even the birds may stop their singing".

"So be patriotic!" they all urge,
"And save us from financial mess.
Control that racial pride surge,
Toe the line and vote 'YES'."

Jozini, Oct. 1983.
 

Back to Poems