It’s not about toil to lobola —I will toil for you
It’s not about my tribe types — all tribes and clans have types
It’s not about family — yours will be mine too
Because I will give it — I can also ask for it
From you I need: a knowing that is unspoken
a togetherness that is fully warm
when you sacrifice — that it be pleasurable
protection and provision that are second nature
a contentment that is visible
a loyalty that is impeccable
respect away from my eyes that is obvious
not empty fake accolade-seeking public displays
a reciprocity that is un-paralleled
a deep peace that is soulful
this is good soil for a union with un-inhibited exponential growth
give me what you want to get – man-up and man-on — then I am manned
If I receive that from myself —then I am my own man – self-manned.
Pauline Chirata Mukondiwa grew up in Highfield, Harare in a family of nine. She has three children and two grandchildren. Pauline is a farmer and a keen waterwise gardener who enjoys travelling, meeting new people and getting to know their land, life and foods. Tasting indigenous cuisine is a must in her travels. Throw in some birdwatching and its bliss for Pauline. She loves a quiet space with a pen and a paper where she can dream.