A Luta Continua

The devil in the detail
of deception
depends on the dark
where the ignorant
are easily fooled
the illiterate
easily indoctrinated
the innocent
easily persuaded.

Let them not recognize
their intended exploitation
Let them not learn
to read of other options
Let them submit
to their deliberate oppression.

Thus, for a while,
grand deception moves at night
with confidence
contriving ignorance
controlling discovery
clinging desperately
to the precarious
power of the
Dark Ages.

But sooner or later
light shines on curiosity,
awakens awareness
in bright eyes
the logic of learning
in inquisitive minds.
Into the sun they step
to embrace knowledge,
compelled to follow
the rhythm of resistance
the rhyme of reason.

We are pulled
into the vortex of the struggle:
Probing questions -
Oblique answers
Petitioning protest -
Restated dogma
Open revolt -
Restrictive prohibitions
Willful rejection -
Self-righteous recrimination.

Only exile
halts
rebellion’s
destructive dance,
breaks the cycle
of coup and counter coup.
Flight alone
produces a place
where freedom shines!

Until the new Middle Ages.

March 19, 2001

For context see Alhamra Interview

About the Author

Therese Benadé, author of Kites of Good Fortune, writes about her heritage and upbringing in South Africa and her travels and living experiences on five continents. A Canadian citizen, she lives in Ipswich, Massachusetts with her husband, Jim Armstrong. Her two adult children are Rex and Kirstie van der Spuy. Read more...

Books
  • Kites of Good Fortune

    A story about the lives of the author’s ancestors at the Cape of Good hope in the 17th and 18th centuries. Published 2004. 

  • Anna, Dogter van Angela van Bengale

    The Afrikaans translation of Kites of Good Fortune.

  • Bluestocking

    Set in South Africa between 1880 and 1927, the book explores the intellectual and moral influences on South African women of the ‘head, heart and hand’ education brought by American teachers from Mount Holyoke College.

  • The Layered Life of Tok-Tokkie

    Stories from my life touching on my childhood, my travels and teaching career, on being an immigrant, on learning languages and unlearning racism.

All books...

Bits & Pieces

All pieces...