Getting Married
The man from Egypt was caught
whispering behind a hedge
with this woman from Canaan.
the father walked away before they saw him
went to his weapons room
then flew back to the hedge, enraged
but composed. The man, legs tied
by Guilt, the woman, eyes unbelieving the sight,
could run nowhere, could not pretend even.
The rule:
you are caught by the father whispering,
your man takes you home, arranges a messenger,
pays bride price, and you are normalized.
After that, whisper all you want, in hedges or vast sky
no father brandishes axe in your face:
that's life in Egypt and Canaan
distinct and interesting sections
of Highfield, Harare.
by Emmanuel Sigauke