Kwacha

The Malawi Kwacha, the Malawian currency is fast losing its value.

Kwacha[1]!

 

It’s dawn alright,

But Kwacha is in reverse gear

Accompanying reverse currents

Drifting deeper and deeper

Into the economic quagmire

 

Its morning I hear,

Nansisi[2] chanting off-key

But kwacha is snoring soundly

In the comfort of inflation

 

The sun is out I understand,

But Kwacha, impressed and obsessed

With the flare cast by his smoldering flame

Is still staring at the finger scribbling her demise

 On the wall in the Platonic cave.

 

The c**k has heralded dawn of a new day

The other beds deserted, currency affairs:

Sterling is pounding

Euro is spitting insults on Sparta

Dollar is painting walls and streets in Silicon Valley

Even Rand is constructing a rainbow in the south of Kwacha’s Land

As Kwacha is drooling inside her devaluation pond.

 

 

Kwacha!

I wonder who needs to wake up

To wake up Kwacha.

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[1] Kwacha means “dawn” in Chichewa (Malawian Language). Kwacha is also the name of the Malawian currency. Kwacha is also a symbol of freedom (from oppression, darkness). Malawian first president H.E. the later H. Kamuzu Banda use “Kwacha” as a slogan, coming in of light and dispersing colonial darkness.

[2] Nansisi is a small beautiful song bird found in Malawi

Reviews

[Quill]

well i can relate, the Nigerian currency isn't doing any good either

[Kunda]

I loved this piece! Very serious issue addressed firmly..not forgetting the references to how other currencies are fairing. Reading this piece at a time when my own country's currency, the Zambian Kwacha, is seeing its worst days yet..I can completely relate and wonder as you "who needs to wake up, to wake up Kwacha"?

[MadalaJose]

thank you for the review. and am glad that you can relate to it