Jozi Gold

Poem reflective of South Africa, city of Johannesburg "city of gold"

Jozi Styles, Jozi wishes, Jozi Hope, Jozi Gold
... She could, be described as a woman of gold
Of beautiful, though deep, brokenness would unfold.
In truth many found in her the lines of worry and despair
in forms of sickly children and women, shunned and treated unfair
Or stories of those who starred down the barrel of a gun.
With poli...ticians, eyes full of greed, their mind corrupt.

Jozi stood in hope and brokenness, wrapped in a blanket of gold
where snow is nonexistent and summer months mark bitter cold
and heat beats down on winter days, on her crowded streets and freeways
Where her night clubs play kwaito, and homeless youth hide in the day.
Brokenness, I say brokenness, that only a true local could have known,
One that speaks of hope, a hope that can only be found home-grown.

Rich history decorates Jozi's hair, like colorful African braids
blue, green, yellow, red, black, colors of the different shades.
Telling us of yesterday, when youth fought against the struggle
Toyi-toyi protests cut short by bullets, international turmoil
televised
the struggle

legacy left by those who marched, now tossed aside by the Individualized-
who dream more of bling-blingin', and not the soul of their generation, nor faith-
I've got to get mine!

Jozi is disillusioned with the promises made when freedom came in ballots,
But despite this and her brokenness, she is not forgotten.
Not the most fashionable, nor desired by most, this woman holds true
the spirit of struggle and faith, despite her woes, she pursues
and triumphs in the form of those who remember,
in the streets, throughout the townships, through the hot December.

Jozi Styles, Jozi wishes, Jozi Gold
town from afar, your brokenness to be replaced by hope.

Reviews

[Jay. E. V.]

I'm not sure people truly get the soul of this piece. You're speaking of a broken culture, yes? Of those who take for granted what they own. It's not just about the city, nor the people, but the culture and its loss.

I nodded my head with every word, and felt very sad for this generation. Also, I think it was done with a lovely Rhyme Scheme and excellent use of repetition at the correct moments. I feel some words could be tweaked for more power, but otherwise perfect. 100/100. Very well done.

;D

[Joanna Johnson]

Thanks Jay...yes, it is talking about the culture, broken, but that it is healed. I have a love/passion for South Africa and am sadden by brokenness there, but I have high hopes and is why I wrote this. Yes, I will have to work on tweaking some of the words. Thanks. : )

[Riley]

It's no easy task to rhapsodize a large, well known city.
Though I've never been to Johannesburg, thanks for sharing the preview