By © Muhidin Shangwe (@ShangweliBeria)
Youth is stupid
When you think a bug won’t kill you
Because your immunity has impunity
To get away with infection
And you are under 50
Youth is daring
When you tell Mr. Bingwa
That drunkard of a maths teacher
That his trousers are unzipped
Even though your classmates are all blind
Youth is hope
When you see the sunrise
Yet to see the sunset
Because the day is too long
And there is a lot to be done
Youth is dreaming
Of a better tomorrow
Even though you know
You won’t sleep tonight
Because the night is too long
And there is a lot to be done
Youth is vulgar
When you curse in vernacular
That street slang sh*t
Or when you pose in particular
They just can’t comprehend
Because you don’t look like a renegade
Youth is bold
When you throw rocks at a charging tank
Or flex at an armored vehicle
Or spit at an armed officer
Because you think you are free
Youth is naivety
When you think the government will resign
Because you tweeted in pain
From the shackles of the chain
Or memories of the slain
Youth is goofy
When pants are hanging below your waistline
And there is that bounce when you walk
A frown when you talk
You have that sinister look
An unapologetic gaze
You know what I’m saying?
Youth is destruction
When you want to break the glass ceiling
Imposed on you
By those who came before you
Their vision was to stop you
Youth is power
When you speak truth to power
And you are counting the hours
Because today is long lost
To those who have the most
Youth is smart
When your phone is smart
And you are a world apart
From friends and family
Because you just don’t give a damn
© Muhidin Shangwe