Khaya Ronkainen

Poetry

Small Pleasures

Posted on 05/31/2017 by Khaya Ronkainen

A pinch nestles
in the chamber
air between leaves

A light tamp
another pinch
thumb seals aroma

A little murmur
fingers fumble
the match strikes

Anticipation―
the flame dances
tobacco crackles

Lips pleasured
the senior draws
pipe long as arm

A mouthful taste
before release;
she builds clouds

Another puff, stares
unblinking into the
Indian Ocean

note: The poem is in response to the Midweek Motif at Poets United. Pipe smoking ritual in Xhosa culture is practiced by elders of both sexes. The practice is deemed a way of communicating with the ancestors, and less about addiction to smoking.

Poetry

In Full Sway

Posted on 05/17/2017 by Khaya Ronkainen

Two at the back
One at the front
In full sway;
Spring a season
For graduations.

Note: Poem was inspired by the Midweek Motif, “bicycles, tricycles or unicycles” at Poets United. I’m also linking it to the Tuesday Platform at Imaginary Garden with Real Toads.

Poetry

A Grain of Sand

Posted on 04/26/2017 by Khaya Ronkainen

trodden by passers-by
off the shore, you lie
one in a million
– dusty particulate

what’s there to discern?
intangible arguments of
time and infinity;
a revolutionary junta
where deceit is
bird’s claw

Note: I blame it on April; the tone of the speaker, I mean. I’m sure you’re aware of April month’s dispositions. Anyway, I’m linking this piece to Midweek Motif at Poets United. To read different takes on this prompt, please visit the link.