17 September marks National Heroes’ Day in Angola, in memory of its first president Agostinho Neto‘s whose birthday was on that day in Kaxicane. To join in the celebration, I publish here one of his poems, ‘Western Civilization‘. Sad how these words still ring true to factory workers, plantation workers, miners, sweatshop workers, etc, around the world to this day. Enjoy ‘Civilização Ocidental‘ by Agostinho Neto!
| Civilização ocidental
Latas pregadas em paus Os farrapos completam O sol atravessando as frestas Depois as doze horas de trabalho Britar pedra A velhice vem cedo basta para ele morrer
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Western Civilization
Sheets of tin nailed to posts Some rags complete the intimate landscape. The sun slanting through cracks after twelve hours of slave breaking rock Old age comes early is enough when he dies
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African Heritage 